Housing world-famous landmarks, outdoor entertainment, and more, New York City’s Central Park boasts a lot to see and do. Fuel up for a day of exploring one of the world’s most-visited parks at any of these 10 brunch and breakfast spots.
The Californian cuisine at Blake Lane could make even the rainiest day (or your stormiest mood) feel sunnier. Whipping up flavorful, good-for-you fare, such as charred scallion avocado toast, spicy breakfast sandwiches, and açai bowls topped with marinated berries, this trendy spot specializes in food that only feels indulgent.
The down-to-earth Effy’s Cafe lets its food speak for itself. The unfussy, homey décor befits a spot serving up super-sized portions of authentic Israeli home-cooking. Green shashuka, halloumi and egg sandwiches, and a Middle Eastern breakfast platter are all on the menu (and kosher!) at this real-deal restaurant.
Bluestone Lane | Courtesy of Bluestone Lane / Ben Hider Photography
A popular destination amongst the city’s many coffee connoisseurs, Bluestone Lane will energize you for a day of exploring nearby Central Park. Offering menu items such as creamy Greek yogurt oats, tahini-avocado toast, baked mushrooms, and gluten-free bread, Bluestone delivers a brunch that will fill you up without weighing you down. Adventurous eaters are encouraged to try the Vegemite-topped toast, a nod to the café’s Australian roots.
This legendary brunch spot with several NYC locations can get quite crowded, but it’s worth the wait. There isn’t anything particularly out of the ordinary or challenging on the menu, but you’re guaranteed to find classic breakfast and brunch food from egg-based selections, sweets (waffles, pancakes, French toast), and cereals (oatmeals and granolas). Sarabeth’s has been drawing loyal devotees with American comfort food and baked goods since the early 80s.
After a morning of exploring, only the hearty dishes at Upper East Side mainstay Cafe D’Alsace will do. The hot spot’s brunch menu, served seven days a week, features a cheesy brioche burger, artisanal French country boards, and a farm-fresh omelet served with French fries and greens.
Feeling more like a sleepy seaside town than the Upper West Side, The Mermaid Inn is an ideal place to enjoy a moment of calm before braving the packed park. The Inn’s seafood-focused menu has racked up nearly 1,000 Yelp reviews raving over the spot’s Old Bay-spiced shrimp and grits, smoked salmon eggs benedict, and raw bar featuring chilled lobster, oysters, and more.
The aptly-named Good Enough to Eat could easily earn the role of your regular breakfast spot. Serving up 100% homemade, all-American fare, such as biscuits with sausage gravy, smoked bacon waffles, and steamy tuna melts, this 36-year-old spot will never go out of style.
You may come to The Loeb Boathouse for its lakefront views, but it’s the restaurant’s sophisticatedly simple American fare that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Enjoy seasonal oysters, steak and eggs, and warm quiche as you admire passing rowers, native birds, and the area’s booming butterfly population.
The offerings at Ballfields Café tend to be more savory than sweet, but for a late outdoor brunch, its location is unbeatable. A little-known spot situated within Central Park, the café faces the park’s public baseball fields, which often host formal games. Dig into ballgame classics such as sauerkraut-topped bratwursts, fresh tuna salad sandwiches, and ice-cold brews as you root, root, root, for the home team.
