As a local with an insatiable appetite for pancakes and mimosas, I know a thing or two about the best brunch on the Upper West Side (UWS). Whether you’re visiting the neighborhood for the first time or live in the area (hey neighbor!), there’s a brunch spot for you. Here’s a roundup of my favorite spots.
Authors Note: If there’s an amazing Upper West Side brunch spot that you feel like is missing from this list please drop me a comment below and I’ll check it out ASAP!
Best Brunch on the Upper West Side
Table of Contents: Best Upper West Side Brunch
Table of Contents: Upper West Side Brunch Guide
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Jacob’s Pickles
Website: Jacob’s Pickles
Address: 509 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Brunch dates, hefty meals
Warm and inviting, Jacob’s Pickles offers comforting Southern brunch fare. From indulgent French toast to the famous chicken & pancakes (fun twist on a classic), there’s something for everyone at this popular Upper West Side brunch spot.
Start your meal with the creamy deviled eggs, pickle flight and biscuits (with fixings) before tackling the entree options. An order of the buttermilk fried chicken is non-negotiable in my book, but the spicy chicken sandwich is also memorable.
Just know the portions are massive (some of the largest in NYC), you can easily split an entree between two people. Likewise, scoring a table during the weekends is no easy feat, so make reservations in advance.
Good to Know: The folks behind Jacob’s Pickles opened a fun tiki-themed bar next door called Tiki Chick, which makes an appearance on our list of the best bars on the Upper West Side.
Café Luxembourg
Website: Cafe Luxembourg
Address: 200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
Good For: French fare
Oozing endearing French bistro vibes, Café Luxembourg has been feeding Upper West Siders since 1983. A sister restaurant to Cafe Cluny and The Odeon, this was the second restaurant from restaurateurs Keith McNally (of Balthazar) and his then-wife Lynn Wagenknecht.
The locale for the famous double date in When Harry Met Sally, this Upper West Side brunch spot attracts a relaxed local crowd. The brunch menu includes the usual suspects, with the smoked salmon Benedict and breakfast sandwich being clear standouts.
Maison Pickle
Website: Maison Pickle
Address: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Groups of friends, brunch with drinks
Upbeat and fun, Maison Pickle is my go-to spot to bring out-of-town visitors for their first brunch in the city. It’s one of the few Upper West Side restaurants worth traveling for (I say this honestly as someone who loves the neighborhood).
And travel they do, Maison Pickle is famous with locals thanks to generous portions and exciting brunch staples, namely the challah French toast and toothsome French dips. Whatever you do, make sure the pull apart bread starts the meal.
This is one of the best spots to get brunch on the Upper West Side for large groups, especially if the crew likes to kick off the weekend with a round of cocktails (the libation lineup is impressive), but make reservations in advance.
Sarabeth’s
Website: Sarabeth’s
Address: 423 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Classic American brunch
Sarabeth’s is easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it. Don’t let the small storefront fool you, this place serves some of the best brunch on the Upper West Side. Specializing in American fare, the smoked salmon Benedict is my go-to order. Expertly poached eggs served atop a soft corn-muffin paired with citrusy greens, it never fails to hit the spot.
Miriam
Miriam is a charming bistro dishing up memorable Mediterranean brunch on the Upper West Side. Focusing on seasonal cuisine, most of the ingredients are sourced directly from Israel.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend the Shakshuka (two poached eggs in rich and tangy tomato and bell pepper sauce) and Malawach Quesadilla (buttery flaky pastry similar to a quesadilla with two eggs & cheese).
Another crowd favorite is the Jerusalem Breakfast (two eggs, avocado spread, tomato salad, homemade Jerusalem bagel, labeneh & zatar). Pair your entree with a Bloody Mary or mimosa and you’ll see why locals consider this some of the best brunch on the Upper West Side.
The Smith
Website: The Smith
Address: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Good For: Classic American brunch
If you get the hankering for traditional American brunch on the Upper West Side, The Smith should fit the bill. Located near the Lincoln Center, the extensive brunch menu features all the classics, like hearty omelettes, creamy avocado toast (add the egg) and fluffy pancakes. The Smith is always a hit with our out-of-town guests, so it’s on constant rotation in our arsenal.
Amelie
Website: Amelie
Address: 566 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Good value fancy dining
Affectionately known as “La Petite Amélie,” this Upper West Side brunch spot is more intimate than the flagship in the West Village. Offering French-inspired fare in a cozy setting, the restaurant boasts a Bib Gourmand Michelin rating (prestigious award given to good-value restaurants).
The brunch menu offers a great range of options, from egg dishes (omelettes and eggs Benedict) to salads and “grands plats” like croque monsieur, steamed mussels and the famous Amelie burger.
The Consulate
Website: The Consulate
Address: 519 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Charming brunch dates
The Consulate is a swanky restaurant moonlighting as a bar (home to one of the best happy hour deals on the Upper West Side). Offering elevated twists on beloved classics, opt for the burrata waffle if you’d like to shake things up a bit. Otherwise, stick with the time-tested classics like cast iron pancakes (fluffy blueberry pancakes, maple syrup, whipped cream, blueberries).
Barney Greengrass
Website: Barney Greengrass
Address: 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Smoked fish, Jewish fare
One of the most iconic restaurants in New York City, Barney Greengrass dates back to 1908. The Jewish deli is famous for serving some of the best bagels and lox in NYC. Don’t just take my word for it, U.S. Presidents have had it shipped directly to the White House for events.
When we first moved to the neighborhood, my husband and I made a tradition of starting every Saturday with a lox bagel from Barney Greengrass. If you’re feeling a bit more fancy, you’ll be happy to know that Barney Greengrass offers table-service as well. The menu highlights Jewish classics like latkes, matzo ball soup and bialys.
Bluestone Lane
Website: Bluestone Lane
Address: 417 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Healthy brunch
Arguably the most recognizable Australian restaurant in NYC, Bluestone Lane has more than 18 locations throughout the city. Not hard to see why, the casual brekkie restaurant checks all the right boxes. The menu is full of brunch favorites like ricotta hotcakes and smashed avocado toast, but the coffee is half the draw (I’ve yet to be disappointed by the cold brews).
Upper West Side Best Brunch (Post Overview)
In summary, here’s a quick overview of the best brunch in the Upper West Side.
- Maison Pickle
- Jacob’s Pickles
- Café Luxembourg
- Barney Greengrass
- Sarabeth’s
- The Smith
- Amelie
- The Consulate
- Miriam
- Bluestone Lane
Best UWS Brunch Guide: Map
More Foodie Links:
- Best NYC Brunch: 18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait
- Where to Drink: 15 Boozy Cocktail Bars in New York City (Worth The Wait)
- The Best Bagels: You Asked, Locals Answered: 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
- Best Pizza: 15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City (You Can’t Afford to Miss)
More Upper West Side Content:
- Things to Do: 20 Fun Things to Do in the Upper West Side (Local’s Guide)
- Where to Drink: 12+ Wonderful Upper West Side Bars (Perfect for a Tipsy Night Out)
- The Best Bagels: The 5 Best Bagel Shops on the Upper West Side (Local’s List)
- How to Stretch a Dollar: 10+ Satisfying Happy Hours in the Upper West Side
Regardless of whether you’re itching to satisfy a sweet tooth or searching for a hearty snack after a morning workout, there’s no shortage of great brunch on the Upper West Side!
Until next time, Al.
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