The Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Long Island City, New York City

Freshly squeezed juices, taco shells prepped with slaw, beans and caramelized plantains and sliced cucumbers are just a few of the options on the menu 
Freshly squeezed juices, taco shells prepped with slaw, beans and caramelized plantains and sliced cucumbers are just a few of the options on the menu  | © Levi Mandel / Culture Trip
Alexis DeFillippo

Is there anything better than fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon, with the perfect cup of coffee or a delicious mimosa? The correct answer is no, unless you are referring to having all of the above in the quirky art-infused neighborhood that is Long Island City. Just a short trip to both Midtown and Brooklyn, LIC is the best place to enjoy the most important meal of the day. Here are our top picks for starting the day right in Long Island City.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

51st Bakery and Café

Bakery, Cafe, Pastries, $

Barista Panini House

Cafe, American
Early and late mornings are meant to be spent drinking freshly squeezed orange juice and eating individualized paninis. Do not let their understated outdoor presence deter you, because once you enter and take in the modern décor, you will quickly understand why Barista Panini House is a Long Island City local’s go to spot. Quick, personal, and professional service is a constant here, which leads to many returning customers who order food to dine in or take out. The fresh food, the to die for coffee, and the unparalleled sandwiches are just three of the many reasons why nobody should miss an early meal here.

Café Henri

Bistro, French, $
This colorful French bistro is a cozy place with some of the most flavorful foods in all of the brunch scene in Long Island City. Don’t let Café Henri being owned by an American with Mexican chefs fool you; their menu is top-to-bottom filled with authentic French cuisine such as customer favorites les oeufs a sa façon and l’omelette avec choix de trios. Devote a morning or early afternoon to pleasing your taste buds with a taste of Europe in this Queens neighborhood.

Masso

Restaurant, American
Green eggs and ham are not just for Dr. Seuss books, but also for brunch patrons at Masso. The décor is not the only creative and inspiring feature at this place – the presentation of each dish is just as inventive. From adorable mason jars filled with various types of flowers to the attention spent on detail to each plate, customers will find everything here aesthetically pleasing. Décor and appearance is just the beginning; the food here is equally fascinating. Popular menu items include smoke salmon eggs benedict and the frittata of the day, which will have your mouth watering in no time. Masso embodies the complete package, when searching for a place that provides good food and atmosphere.

Tost Café

Cafe, Sandwich Shop, Fast Food
Paninis, wraps, omelets, and bagels, individualized for your personal preference, can be found here at Tost Café. Even though this place has limited seating, it does not deter customers, as this breakfast joint is an on the go spot that all locals love. Found on a modest corner in LIC, this eating establishment has the fairest of prices and the most accommodating of servers. Stop by this joint for one of their several early morning bites that will not only satisfy your cravings, but also that of your friends, family, and even co-workers.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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