Long Island, New York, is the home of Gatsby, Don Vito Corleone and, as it turns out, an array of fantastic brunch options. Here is a list of the top 10 brunches on the country’s most populous island.
Toast Coffee House, situated in Port Jefferson, Long Island, first opened in 2002. Specializing in breakfast and brunch, the restaurant also serves up a selection of specialty beers and wine. It also acts as an impromptu gallery for the work of local artists. The music, too, is managed by an in-house ‘artistic crew’ that is responsible for keeping the selection fresh and up to date. The breakfast and brunch menu features a selection of omelets, French toasts and breakfast burritos.
Sweet Mama’s is a 1950s-inspired diner – with matching decor – famous for serving up breakfast classics. The restaurant enjoys a nostalgic atmosphere, helped in part by the choice of ’50s music. The walls are similarly decked with posters that remind guests of a now distant era. At Sweet Mama’s, the order of the day is pancakes, French toast or waffles. These are typically available with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savory. Those with big appetites can opt for ‘the big daddy’; a titanic plate of eggs, pancakes, French toast and breakfast meats – not for the faint hearted.
Toast & Co. is a small, cafe-style venue that serves food seven days a week. A true breakfast and brunch (but also lunch) venue, Toast & Co. opens early at eight o’clock every morning. However, it closes by three in the afternoon on weekdays, or four on the weekends. One of Toast & Co.’s specialities is the skillet, which is served up with a variety of toppings in a sizzling dish – think breakfast fajitas for an accurate comparison.
Brunch at The Snapper Inn is a big weekly event held every Sunday. The large open plan restaurant plays host to a buffet that offers all-American classics with certain dishes (including eggs, omelets and pancakes) being made to order. The front windows and decking give diners the chance to look out over the Connetquot, one of the four biggest rivers running through Long Island. The outdoor gazebo allows for a true waterside dining experience with boats moored up alongside the restaurant.
Jedediah Hawkins Inn, New York | Image courtesy of The Jedediah Inn
Found on Long Island’s north fork, Jedediah Hawkins Inn is surrounded by more than 20 acres of gardens and farmland. The breakfast at the Inn starts early, but this is a small price to pay for what is ultimately a wonderful brunch. New takes on traditional dishes, including the indulgent amaretto French toast with bacon and maple syrup, and duck wings with yoghurt raita, sit proudly on the menu. The building itself is a site of historical interest for the local area. It was built by Captain Jedediah Hawkins in 1863, in popular Italian style. Despite falling into disrepair (and allegedly being haunted), the house was renovated into the restaurant and hotel it is today.
The North Fork Table and Inn offers refined dining for those seeking a more upmarket brunch experience. The building is a traditional example of European and American architecture, fully fitted with sash windows and dark-wooden floor boards. The menu is decidedly up-market with innovative twists on classic American brunch dishes. Steak and eggs showcase 100 percent grass fed beef and locally sourced hen eggs while ‘Not your Mom’s’ macaroni and cheese contains essence of black truffle, bacon and gruyere cheese. Although one of the pricier items on the menu, this dish offers an opportunity to sample an unusual interpretation of a classic recipe.
John Papa’s Café sits in Long Island’s East Hampton area. The restaurant serves customers all year round and opens incredibly early at six o’clock in the morning, every day. Breakfast is served throughout the afternoon, with a selection of egg specialties, including Black Angus steak and eggs. John Papa’s outdoor grill is the center around which much of the restaurant activity takes place, as chefs guard over it for hours on end, churning out slab after slab of succulent grilled meats.
The Cook Room’s breakfast is hard to beat. A traditional diner establishment, the menu focuses on indulgent dishes to kick start your day. French toast is made with all butter croissants and topped off with peaches and blueberries. This rustic venue also serves egg sliders, Canadian bacon and stuffed French toast. With a menu that reminds customers of their favorite childhood treats, The Cook Room has built a steady following of loyal fans.
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Complete with beautiful views of Roslyn Pond, Thyme offers its customers a brunch experience from 11:30-15:00 every weekend – perfect for lazy mornings. Guests can choose between a selection of dishes, including hand-made burgers, seared tuna and sirloin steaks with eggs any way. The breakfast cocktails are given a twist and the Bloody Mary is revved up with bourbon and bacon. With seats at the bar, on the veranda and in the restaurant, there is a choice of setting for everyone. That said, the veranda and porch do have wonderful scenic views of the local area.
The Buttercooky Bakery, in operation for more than 50 years, is a French- and Italian-style patisserie with two sites in Long Island. Without many savory options on the menu, this is one for those with a sweet tooth. Quick bites include fresh cookies and pastries, while larger portions include delectable chocolate and fruit gateaux slices. Customers can choose from a variety of drinks, including Italian espressos and iced teas.
