Going to brunch at the weekend is as sacred as a Catholic going to Sunday mass. It’s one of my favorite things to do here because there’s countless restaurants that are raved about, you never run out of new spots to try. Every neighborhood has everything from bottomless brunch, to comfort food to quirky all-day breakfast cafes. I try not to return to the same place twice but these restaurants make it really difficult not to:
Bluestone Lane – West Village
This could be my favorite cafe for breakfast. I was spoilt for choice and ordering was difficult, I couldn’t make up my mind. If you’re big into Avocado Toast and baked eggs, you have to try Bluestone Lane. I just love bright cafes, there’s something about chilling out with the sun hitting your back and sipping great coffee that makes me so content.
Boqueria – Flatiron
This restaurant does the best bottomless brunch, you never go without a drink (I am not an alcoholic). Seriously though, they just walk about with pitchers of sangria and mimosas and fill up your glass like it’s water. The food is family-style Spanish tapas so they suggest ordering multiple plates to share. There was 10-12 of us eating so I tried nearly everything and there’s nothing I would fault about my whole experience here.
Cafeteria – Chelsea
A great people-watching spot. A friend wanted to try this place because she has a little bit of an obsession with Sex and the City and this is where they used to have lunch and do most of their gossiping. Funnily enough, there was a film crew outside filming for a new Netflix show and we ended up being extras. Anyway, I ordered the omelette and it was a solid 10. I also have to add that the service here is exceptional.
The Butcher’s Daughter – West Village
This falls under the ‘cutsie cafes’ list. They’re always busy and don’t take reservations but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Even if you’re not into vegetarian dishes, you won’t be disappointed because everything is so tasty. The menu has a bit of everything too, so you can bring the fussiest of eaters.
Jack’s Wife Freda – West Village
This is probably NYC’s most popular breakfast cafe right now. The wait for a table is always 20-40 minutes so I have to admit, I kept putting it off. When I eventually tried it, I was not disappointed. I had the Green Shakshuka, which I was a little skeptical about because what the hell is it? Basically baked eggs and it was delicious. Before I order, I always check out a restaurant’s Instagram and this dish caught my attention. Their waffles are pretty amazing too if you can fit in dessert (who does dessert at breakfast? Me. And what?).
Pies-n-Thighs – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Okay, I’m not a huge fan of fried chicken and waffles but if you are, this is the place to go. I loved the atmosphere in here, it’s so trendy and always busy which is a sure sign of great food. People rave about their biscuits which is kind of like America’s version of a scone. There’s not many spots like this in the city that serve classic American breakfast dishes so it’s a great find.
Beauty & Essex – Lower East Side
If you’ve ever lived in NYC and haven’t been to Beauty & Essex, did you even live here? There’s never a bad time of day to dine here but they’re particularly famous for brunch. From the outside, it looks like you’re entering a pawn shop until you get to the large door at the back and you’re transported to the inside of a mansion. The food is on another level, you have to go outside of your comfort zone because you’re guaranteed to enjoy every dish. They also serve champagne in the restrooms, JS.
Good Enough to Eat – Upper West Side
Come with an empty tummy because their dishes are insanely big. They serve comfort food and when I say comfort, I mean a good time to try this place is after a very bad week or a fairly grim hangover. Their breakfast menu is huge and like Pies-n-Thighs, it’s country-style so if you’re looking for a real American experience, this is where you should go.
Rachel's NYC Diary 
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