From the best bagels in NYC to French brasseries, start your day with one of these delicious NYC breakfast spots!
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
When you’re looking for the most important meal of the day, NYC has got you. Whether you’re searching for a perfectly cooked pastry, Eggs Benedict and mimosas, or a world-class bagel, you’re sure to find the perfect spot. No matter what kind of breakfast occasion you’re after, we’ve got a place for you! Here is a closer look at the best places to get breakfast in NYC.
1. Liberty Bagels Midtown, Midtown
Liberty Bagels is a no-frill counter service bagel shop near Madison Square Garden. They make old-fashioned, hand-rolled bagels from scratch and offer a variety of spreads and toppings that include Oreo-flavored cream cheese and tofu-based options.
They also offer an impressive selection of bagel-based sandwiches, omelets, breakfast platters, and sides. Liberty Bagels is the place to go if you’re looking for an authentic New York bagel that is affordable and delicious.
📍 260 W 35th St.
2. Balthazar, SoHo
Balthazar is a famous French brasserie that serves traditional French breakfast seven days a week. Located in the heart of SoHo, Balthazar is known for its fine cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere.
Sink your teeth into a perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict, Belgian waffle, or go all out with a full English breakfast, including two eggs, bacon, beans, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and fried bread! There are so many options here and is perfect for you if you’re looking for a relaxing meal in lower Manhattan.
📍 80 Spring St.
3. Golden Diner, Chinatown
This Downtown diner is one of our favorites, and serves everything from pancakes to breakfast burritos! It’s located in Chinatown and their menu focuses on dishes that have been influenced by the neighborhood! Breakfast is served all day and we recommend going for an outdoor brunch!
📍 123 Madison St.
4. George’s New York, FiDi
George’s is a legendary breakfast spot in FiDi that has been operating since 1950. The restaurant is known for its large portion sizes and welcoming atmosphere, which makes it one of the most iconic breakfast spots in New York!
The laidback eatery features classic American breakfast items like two eggs in any style, make your own omelet, and a selection of egg sandwiches. The comfortable atmosphere and delicious food have made George’s one of the best places to get breakfast in NYC for over seven decades.
📍 89 Greenwich St.
5. Sarabeth’s, Various Locations
Sarabeth’s is a New York City staple with multiple locations that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. This upscale yet casual eatery serves classic American fare and baked goods.
Popular menu items include the Sarabeth’s Quiche made with onions, ham, potato, and gruyere, or the smoked salmon benedict. Sarabeth’s offers something for everyone with a great blend of sophistication and comfort.
📍 Midtown – 40 Central Park S
📍 UWS – 423 Amsterdam Ave.
📍 Tribeca – 339 Greenwich St.
📍 Flatiron – 381 Park Ave.
6. The Smith, Multiple Locations
The Smith is another small chain serving upscale American food at its four locations in Manhattan (as well as one in Washington DC and one in Chicago). This American brasserie offers a daily breakfast menu that includes popular items like their own take on an Eggs Benedict and ranchero scrambled eggs.
They also have an oyster menu that frequently updates with new seasonal favorites. We also ranked The Smith on our list of best mac and cheese in NYC too if you’re around for lunch time.
📍 NoMad – 1150 Broadway
📍 Lincoln Square – 1900 Broadway
📍 Midtown- 956 2nd Ave.
📍 East Village – 55 3rd Ave.
7. Salento, Washington Heights
Salento is a Columbian coffee shop in Washington Heights that offers a delectable breakfast menu. The chic coffee spot offers seasonal menu items inspired by classic Columbian cuisine and delicious coffee pairings made with freshly ground beans.
Popular dishes include the huevos pericos (scrambled eggs made with onion and tomato) and their breakfast empanadas. They also have a bakery serving tasty Columbian pastries like Pan de Yuca and Pastel Salento.
📍 2112 Amsterdam Ave.
8. Old John’s Diner, UWS
Old John’s Diner is an NYC staple located a few blocks from Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side. The luncheonette features the ambiance of a classic New York City diner with booth seating and speakers playing soft jazz.
Their menu features traditional American fare, such as breakfast sandwiches, omelets, waffles, and pancakes. Plus, they offer a wide selection of coffees and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Old John’s diner is one of the best places to get breakfast in NYC if you’re looking for classic diner food and an inviting atmosphere.
📍148 W 67th St.
9. B&H Dairy, East Village
B&H Dairy is an old-school Kosher deli in the East Village serving Yiddish dishes with a classic 1940’s diner-style atmosphere. Their menu includes matzah ball soups, hot borscht, and challah French Toast. Visitors can also choose from a wide selection of omelets, overstuffed sandwiches, and other Kosher favorites.
B&H is one of the last true Kosher deli counters in NYC and provides an authentic ambiance and unique selection of delicious breakfast items.
📍 127 2nd Ave.
10. Banter, Greenwich Village & West Village
Banter is a cozy breakfast spot in lower Manhattan, serving healthy menu items, espresso, and cocktails. The Australian café also has a sister restaurant called Sonnyboy on the Lower East Side.
Banter offers a warm atmosphere and chef-inspired breakfast items like their signature breakfast combo, which comes with two poached eggs, pinos prime meat bacon, halloumi, mushrooms, avocado, tomatoes, and sourdough toast. They also offer an assortment of popular salads, bowls, wraps, and sweets. Banter is our favorite spot for a healthy breakfast in NYC.
📍 Greenwich Village – 169 Sullivan St.
📍 West Village – 643 Hudson St.
11. Clinton Street Baking Company, LES
The Clinton Street Baking Company is a 32-seat café serving classic American breakfast dishes on the Lower East Side. Renowned for its mouthwatering pancakes and baked goods, the Clinton Street Baking Company is the perfect breakfast spot for those with a sweet tooth. They even have a special pancake of the month, including new recipes on certain days of the month.
Besides pancakes, visitors can also choose from menu items like latke Eggs Benedict, fried chicken and waffles, and the country breakfast. Plus, the best part is they serve breakfast all day!
📍 4 Clinton St.
12. Bagel Pub, Various Locations
Bagel Pub will simply blow your mind with the amount of hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagels they have. This is truly a build-your-own bagel joint that has bread and topping types you probably have never even heard of.
Luckily, they have 6 locations to choose from making it easy to stop in for a quick NY bagel. The bread is made daily and is some of the freshest in the city! You’re going to want to dig your teeth into these, trust us.
13. Flipper’s, SoHo
Flipper’s is most known for their unique soufflé pancakes, which are fluffy and absolutely delicious! Their airy cakes are served with all sorts of fruits and toppings that truly make them irresistible. As for other breakfast items, expect regular pancakes, savory meals, breakfast sandwiches, toast variations, and more!
📍 337 West Broadway
14. Buvette, West Village
This cute French restaurant in West Village is a charming little spot that is best for small groups. Feast on Les Croques in typical French fashion, or opt for familiar favorites like a Waffle Sandwich or Avocado Toast.
📍 42 Grove St.
15. Lips Cafe, Bed-Stuy
Lips Cafe has our Secret NYC stamp of approval and for good reason–they’re one of our all time fav places to get breakfast in NYC! We suggest grabbing their iconic Bake and Saltfish (sautéed Saltfish with Garlic, Onions, Sweet Peppers, Thyme, and Tomato served with a Bake and Plantains) which pays homage to their Caribbean roots…and washing it down with one of their handmade coffees of course!
📍 1412 Nostrand Ave.
16. The Blue Light Speak Cheesy, Greenpoint
This breakfast spot offers a rotating weekly menu. Whether it’s double decker breakfast taco Wednesdays or bagel Saturdays, everything on the menu is top tier. Plus, you have to try their biscoff rip-off (an iced coffee drink) that comes with a cookie!
📍158 Green St, Brooklyn
See also: 20 Best Bagels In NYC To Try Right Now
Tags:cereals, crepes, pancakes