In New York City, you could go to brunch at a different place every week for a long time, the options are never ending. Yet, all brunches are not created equal. Some leave the sweetest tastes in your mouth and memories in your heart, while some serve you cold eggs and burnt pancakes. So, I’m sharing some of my most memorable brunch experiences so that you can have even more options to explore and add to your favorites.
You can call me biased, but I believe that brunch in Harlem is something special. So I’ll start there:
BLVD Bistro, 239 Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027
Price: $$
Blvd Bistro is a Black family (husband and wife duo) owned, cozy and homey spot that is perfect for a small group of close friends. Do yourself a favor and get the chicken biscuit sliders. You can tell the food is made with the same love you feel from the hospitality of the staff. They’ve been featured in the New York Post and the New York Times. They’ve been Michelin Guide recommended, on Food Network and are known for their 7-cheese mac and cheese. Since they are so popular, a wait is common; thankfully, they offer long brunch hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The Grange Bar & Eatery, 1635 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10031
Price: $$
What’s dope about The Grange is that it is so welcoming. The ambiance is chill with a buzz of good vibes. I fell in love the moment I took my first bite of bacon. I involuntarily said “this is the most bacony bacon I’ve ever had.” For brunch, I recommend the Fried Chicken Breast which comes on a biscuit, topped with a fried egg, that bacony bacon and smothered in gravy with foie gras buttered hash browns on the side. I’ll admit that at first glance this dish is a bit unassuming. It looks like a standard brunch meal until you take the first bite and discover the layers of flavors stacked onto the plate. The way that these flavors and textures all blend together is such a comforting and delicious experience. I vividly remember eating so slowly and savoring each bite because I did not want it to end.
The Edge, 101 Edgecombe Ave., New York, NY 10030
Price: $$
On GoogleMaps it is referred to as a “hip coffee shop with brunch and booze.” This cute eatery is a fun find slightly off the beaten path because it is not on one of the popular streets of Harlem’s dining scene. The Edge mixes the best of Jamaican, New York, and British breakfasts. They offer a menu of unique options like sorrel mimosas, ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken and waffles, plantain crusted crab cakes and fish and chips. What I love most is that they serve brunch all week long.
Ponty Bistro, 2375 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY 10030
Price: $$
I went here for a family birthday celebration, and we were all pleased and satisfied by our experience. This French-African bistro offers simple yet well made good food and gracious service. And I love to switch it up and go to their newer sister restaurant Renaissance a few blocks away for a similar experience.
Solomon and Kuff, 2331 12th Ave., New York, NY 10027
Price: $$
They had me at “rum hall.” This is where you want to go for some Caribbean classics – like festival, cornmeal porridge, ackee, scotch bonnet aioli and rundown – with some creative twists. If you’re in the mood to turn it up a notch, bottomless bashment rum punch is available, and you just might catch a party happen before your eyes.
Because brunch does exist beyond Harlem, let’s travel shall we.
Jacob’s Pickles, 509 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10024
Price: $$
Forget everything you’ve experienced in a BLT. The BLT at Jacob’s Pickles is the BEAST of all BLTs. First, the thick cut bacon is oozing with bold flavor. The lettuce is actually a slaw with shreds of pickle that adds a nice crunch and unexpected flavor. A fried green tomato and succulent chicken breast top off this sandwich. It is all piled on a big, buttery biscuit and for a little extra southern comfort, served with a side of grits. This is the kind of sandwich you need a plan of attack for, and once you commit, you will be sucked in and have no choice but to surrender to all of its goodness. Let’s call this a comfort brunch.
Sons of Essex, 133 Essex St., New York, NY 10002
Price: $$
You can go to Sons of Essex and enjoy some tasty, classic brunch options like the cornbread, avocado toast, omelette and the truffle tator tots. But the main event of this experience is the 90s playlist that you will definitely be singing along and dancing to. From the dance floor to the fun staff, this place is great for groups and birthday brunches.
Le Souk, 510 LaGuardia Pl., New York, NY 10012
Price: $$
I had the pleasure of going here for my friend’s Moroccan Brunch Lituation organized by GroupOut. The cabana style seating available that was perfect for our group. I still remember how flavorful the chicken was and how fresh the jalapeños were.
With all the brunches I’ve experienced, my brunch to do list remains never ending. I’m always adding to it and looking for new suggestions. So please share your favorite brunch spots in the comments below.
And I’d love to know, what do you look for in your ideal brunch?
