Top Brunch Spots On The Upper West Side

Home to institutions like Lincoln Center and Columbia University, Manhattan’s Upper West Side provides a taste of Old New York. Also on the menu are old-school Jewish delis and grocery stores, while contemporary takes on the tea room and the classic American brunch bring the residential neighborhood into modern times. Here are the best brunch spots on the Upper West Side.

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.

Jacob’s Pickles

Pickles hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of New Yorkers, who’ve been making and selling them since the 1860s. Jacob’s Pickles keeps the tradition alive, serving its handmade products in pickle and cheese patty melts and hot and honey chicken sandwiches. Tip: Get an order of pickles for the table, and try not to fight over the last sour green tomato or hot sour cuke.

You can choose from pizza or sushi rolls on Peacefood’s vegan menu

For cuisine with a conscience, Peacefood Cafe offers a globally inspired array of vegan concoctions. Veggie-heavy raw pizza is joined by a popular Japanese pumpkin sandwich and a variety of juices and smoothies on the menu. Located just two blocks from iconic Central Park, Peacefood is a perfect place to fuel up for a day outdoors.

Good Enough to Eat

Good Enough to Eat has been the Upper West Sider’s destination for “good old-fashioned American food” since it opened in 1981. Brunch plates including apple pancakes, pumpkin French toast, and a smoked salmon-stuffed “Upper West Side Omelette” are as beloved now as they were then. Retro wall hangings and wholesome holiday decorations fit right in the residential neighborhood.

Barney Greengrass

Dine like locals at Barney Greengrass, a no-frills delicatessen serving Upper West Side classics such as hot pastrami sandwiches, lox-topped bagels, and homemade matzo ball soup. A popular neighborhood spot since the early 1900s, Barney Greengrass promises an authentic, Old New York experience, complete with specialty Jewish foods, a cash-only policy, and entertaining people-watching.

Alice’s Tea Cup

Alice’s Tea Cup proves tea parties aren’t just for kids. Here, string fairy lights guide patrons to the dining room, where bread pudding-style French toast, scones Benedict, and crepes with homemade peanut butter are washed down by over a hundred different teas. Alice in Wonderland décor and a sweet scone selection caters to the neighborhood’s many families.

Boulud Sud

Boulud Sud’s close proximity to Lincoln Center attracts a cultured clientele, who loves the spot for its elegant Mediterranean dishes and its celebrity chef. Daniel Boulud transforms weekend brunch into an affair worth marking on one’s calendar; unique dishes such as lemon saffron spaghetti and ratatouille with “oeuf mollet,” a recipe from Boulud’s grandmother, are served alongside cocktails crafted from seasonal ingredients.

Sarabeth’s

Sarabeth’s is an Upper West Side staple, for good reason. It’s located within walking distance of sought-after attractions like The American Museum of Natural History and Central Park, and it’s family-friendly. Throw in all-American dishes like “Adult Grilled Cheese” with cream of tomato soup and fruit-topped buttermilk pancakes, and this convenient eatery becomes even more crowd-pleasing.

Boulud Sud

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.