Dedicated brunch fanatics, New Yorkers are always in search of new and delicious spots to test out yet another eggs Benedict or French toast. And historic Greenwich Village certainly has no shortage of top spots for a mid-morning meal. Here are 10 of the best to explore.
If you’re in a search of a classic, American-style brunch, look no further than Jane. The brainchild of Jeffrey Lefcourt and Glenn Harris of Corner Table Restaurants, the restaurant’s patrons can expect fresh and tasty dishes, such as the melt-in-your-mouth vanilla bean French toast or the widely praised, crispy rosemary fries. Due to its irresistible selection of both breakfast and lunch items, the casual environment can often be bustling, so it is recommended to reserve a table in advance.
Started by two brothers in 1996, The Grey Dog remains the place where comfort and community meet, along with inexpensive, yet mouthwatering food. One of the restaurant’s main crowd pleasers is the Grey Dog’s breakfast, complete with eggs any style, French toast or pancakes, and bacon, sausage, or ham. The Grey Dog also offers catering for those looking to throw a large event with tasty food. They have locations all around the city, serving up traditional favorites for locals in a cozy setting.
Emulating the atmosphere of a Parisian café, Tartine provides diners with simple, traditional French cuisine. Along with their popular eggs Benedict and eggs Florentine, Tartine also offers a selection of freshly baked pastries. The cozy, quaint atmosphere will make you feel as if you have stepped into a city in France, while the delicious food will keep you coming back like its faithful local fans. Please note that Tartine is a BYOB and cash-only restaurant.
Focusing on natural and fresh ingredients, Westville is one of the best places to sit down and have a healthy and high-quality brunch. Always offering a wide variety of vegetables, such as zucchini with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella or plantains with cojita cheese, as a part of their market plate, this dining room provides healthy and nourishing brunch options. However, there are still sweet choices on the menu, such as the wonderful baked challah bread French toast.
Joseph Leonard deserves a spot on any brunch lover’s itinerary Situated on a charming corner in the West Village, the rustic restaurant gets even more charming as you step inside and are greeted by its friendly servers. Specializing in new American cuisine, Joseph Leonard offers savory dishes, such as shrimp and grits and the Cuban sandwich. Don’t forget to try one of their best drinks, the bloody Caesar, which will have you asking for seconds.
Fusing together French and Italian cooking elements, Extra Virgin is a great option for diners who are looking for a slightly more experimental brunch. Chef Joey Fortunato dishes up Mediterranean fare in this trendy and bustling West Village spot, drawing customers from all over the city. Be sure to try the dessert-like banana French toast or the decadent fries with gorgonzola fondue as a side.
Located unassumingly in the basement of the Washington Square Hotel, North Square boasts a classic American menu, sourced from local and natural ingredients. Try the pumpkin pecan pancakes or steak and eggs. Adding to the sophisticated feel, North Square also hosts a jazz brunch on Sundays from 12:30-2:15pm, yet another reason to stop in for a delicious meal.
Although a relatively new addition to Bleecker Street, Baker & Co has had no trouble generating buzz amongst New Yorkers, and with good reason. Primarily specializing in simplistic Italian cuisine, Baker & Co’s charming décor, plus an outdoor patio, reflects their minimalist food. With crowd-pleasing favorites such as croquettes with risotto, parmesan, crushed truffle, and mozzarella and Nutella French toast, the restaurant is guaranteed to stay in place for years to come.
If you’re looking to escape the bustling streets of New York in favor of something a bit more European, Le Gigot will help you do just that. Chef Alioune Ndiaye puts his heart into creating delectable Provençal meals, ‘emphasizing purity of ingredients and simplicity of preparation.’ Brunch at Le Gigot tends to lean towards the savory side, serving popular items such as crab cakes and duck confit.
Brunch isn’t always solely about the food; drinks can also make or break a great experience. As a unique, inventive Mexican restaurant, Ofrenda is no stranger to concocting spectacular drinks, such as the amazing smoky jalapeño margarita. Always bustling and energetic, diners can expect a lively brunch, with savory dishes including chilaquiles verdes and enfrijoladas. If brunch isn’t enough, come back for happy hour to try more of their specialty beverages.
