The Best Brunch Spots in NYC by Neighborhood Doing Takeout/Delivery
Brunch is (still) served.
Glasserie | Remy Amezcua
Glasserie | Remy Amezcua
Given how difficult things are for most New Yorkers right now, the idea of brunch, our long-running local tradition of boozy, hours-long weekend dining, may seem like a frivolous endeavor. But let’s face it, right now we’re all craving whatever semblance of normalcy we can get our hands on. For all its flaws, brunch is a quintessential part of the New York dining experience. And by virtue of the PAUSE restrictions, (put in place to combat the spread of the novel Coronavirus) some of those drawbacks -- like crowds of amateur day drinkers and costly lukewarm buffets -- are now moot, making us suddenly nostalgic for the oft-decried weekend tradition. (Eggs at 3pm – We didn’t realize how good we had it!)
With Mother’s Day coming up (gift guide btw), you’re likely not able to take Mom out for a round of Mimosas and eggs Benny, but you can order in or send brunch delivery over to Mom if she’s a New Yorker as well. Here are the best brunch spots in 24 NYC neighborhoods to order takeout and delivery from. Be sure to tip your delivery person generously (do it for their mama, too).
Astoria
ComfortlandThough you won’t be able to indulge in the eye candy that is the Comfortland dining room -- with its NOLA vibe and psychedelic interiors -- right now, you’re still able to indulge in standout items such as the Painkiller slushy and a Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich. Check out this colorful spot Wednesday through Sundays from 10am-4pm.
Order at the walk up window, online or via Grubhub
Baychester
The Dumpling CoveEven though a Carribean getaway isn’t in the cards for most of us anytime soon, this 30-year-old Bronx staple’s offerings of oxtail; Island Jerk penne; and assorted dumplings give us a chance to at least realistically daydream about one. Think of it as important taste testing for the actual vacation you’ll take your Mom on -- you know, the one you’ve been promising her since high school.
Order via Grubhub or Uber Eats
Chinatown
Golden DinerGolden Diner is one of the best versions of a modern diner that Manhattan has seen in quite a while, with a unique Asian twist. The Chinatown egg & cheese sando, kale & Parmesan biscuits & gravy, and Golden cheeseburger are just a few must-haves. And save the honey butter pancakes with whipped honey butter and lemon zest for dessert.
Call 917-472-7800 or order online
Ditmas Park
Milk and HoneyMilk and Honey’s slightly amended brunch menu still includes an array of great dishes to choose from, especially ones that are of the internationally-inspired-egg kind. Turkish eggs in tomato sauce (grandma’s recipe!); a poblano chipotle omelette; and poached eggs topped in a popular Egyptian topping called dukkah will have everyone you’re with saying “OMG you have to try this!”
Order via Caviar
East Village
Hanoi Soup ShopIf you’re not big on traditional American brunch flavors, a classic Vietnamese breakfast awaits you at Hanoi Soup Shop. Go for the two-meat pho with a breadstick (aka a “savory doughnut”) for dipping and a Hanoi egg coffee, made with sweet whipped egg yolks poured over coffee, for an arguably perfect meal.
Order via Seamless
Elmhurst
Laly’s RestaurantQuarantine be damned, Laly’s is still open seven days a week serving a menu full of Mexican and American brunch classics, from chilaquiles to blueberry pancakes. If you’re feeling more lunch than breakfast inclined, go for the homemade mole enchiladas or Cemita burger that’s stacked with refried beans, papalo, Oaxaca cheese, and more. But no matter what, be sure to add on the Roosevelt Street corn to celebrate the restaurant’s bustling location.
Call 718-433-9906 or order online
Flushing
Pop’s DinerAs Pop’s has been delivering warm, friendly service and classic greasy spoon favorites since 1963, they’re no strangers to operating through tumultuous times -- and they’re not stopping now. They’re open daily but note that their hours have reduced -- they close at 4pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends for the time being.
Call 718-463-7719 for take-out (cash only) or order via Grubhub, Seamless
Gowanus
Runner & StoneCozy neighborhood spot Runner & Stone is owned and operated by a chef and a baker, which bodes particularly well for the cafe in these times: Your brunch order should undoubtedly be complemented by loaves of freshly baked bread and a decadent pastry (or three). Give them a ring to see the menu of the day and order the bread in advance through their website.
Call 718-576-3360 or order bread and pastries online for pick-up only
Greenpoint
GlasserieLocated in the former Greenpoint Glass Works factory built in 1860, Glasserie has fully adapted their menu and offerings to the times. Their all-day food menu includes stuffed grape leaves with beef and lamb and a gorgeously bright labne & cured tomato dish that you can order with pre-batched cocktails, beer, bottles of wine and even grocery items.
Order online
Greenwich Village
DanteRegistered as a NYC landmark and one of the city’s few remaining 100+ year old cafes, Dante has been around since the last global pandemic over a century ago, but is still as charming and popular as ever. Their egg, bacon & provolone sandwich and homemade banana bread with ricotta and honey butter go great with their renowned negroni, offered on tap.
Order online
Harlem
The EdgeSisters Juliet and Justine Masters’ restaurant The Edge pays homage to “the spirit of Harlem” and is still serving up the foods of their parents’ homelands (Jamaica and England) -- the coconut fish and parmesan grits are divine.
Call 212-939-9688 for take-out or order delivery via Grubhub
Inwood
Bocaditos BistroBocaditos Bistro has long been one of Inwood’s favorite brunch haunts, so it’s no surprise that they’re still serving up their popular fare, even if it’s moved to a weekend-only operating schedule (Friday to Sunday, 12-8pm). Go for the Mama’s Breakfast with plantains, Dominican salami, and a fried egg or the huevos rotos (broken eggs) with chorizo and truffle oil.
Call 646-649-4212 or order via Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats
Kingsbridge
Leche Y MielLeche Y Miel is doing the important work of feeding local first responders at hospitals located across the Bronx and Manhattan. Their mofonguitos -- a two-bite version of the classic Dominican dish made with plantains, garlic, steak or shrimp and cheese -- are a can’t-miss. Enjoy it with Mangu con Los 3 Golpes (mashed plantains with fried eggs, cheese and salami) and one of their showstopping desserts of bread pudding or homemade carrot cake.
Call 718-708-5787 or order online via Grubhub, Seamless
Little Italy
WayanMake it a lobster kind of day with Indonesian cafe Wayan’s popular lobster noodle dish or go with a brunch favorite like Avocado Gado Gado or their cucumber mango salad with a chili vinaigrette. They’ve also got a new large-format specialty cocktail called the Thorn of Jalisco that’s made with tequila, Thai chile and grapefruit juice. It comes in a 750ml bottle, which is the same serving size as a bottle of wine. And if you’re looking to actually have a bottle of wine (or spirits, beer, and sake) as well, they’ve got you covered.
Call 917-261-4388 order via Caviar, Postmates
Midtown
Sam’s Crispy ChickenOpened by the same team who brought us Umami Burger, the delivery-only restaurant (nope there’s no storefront even during regular times), there are seven types of fried chicken sandwiches to choose from including vegan alternatives. The chicken and waffle sandwich with bacon and maple syrup is one of our faves.
Order via Caviar, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates
Mott Haven
Charlie’s Bar & KitchenThis darling Mott Haven neighborhood spot has adjusted their brunch to start at 12pm on Sundays. A chicken brunch burger, pancake stack, and biscuit and gravy plate are just some of the dishes we’ll be ordering from bed. And $20 pitchers of margarita. Yes, we’ll definitely need those, too.
Order via EZCater (Bulk Orders), DoorDash, Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats
NoHo
Fish CheeksHit up Fish Cheeks for a vibrant and indulgent meal packed with spice and flavor. Serving authentic Thai comfort food with a focus on seafood, their crab fried rice is a must and pairs nicely with the tiger prawn karee, a yellow curry stir-fry with spicy scrambled eggs.
Order via Caviar, Grubhub, Uber Eats
NoMad
Bourke Street BakeryOriginally from Sydney, the first Bourke Street Bakery location outside of Australia has shifted operations amid the quarantine to offer their usual exquisite breads and pastries, in addition to pantry staple packages like the “bread and essentials box” (a sourdough loaf, croissants, cookies, a muffin, rice, veggies, and fruit), and frozen meat pies. They’re also offering a special Mother’s Day Box that includes a bouquet of ranunculus along with a pastry platter, Champagne, and personalized messages for Mom you can submit via email.
Order online
Park Slope
Casa AzulOriginally from Oaxaca, Mexico, members of this family-owned restaurant settled in NYC one by one, and eventually all of them ended up working in the industry. They opened Caza Azul together after 25 years of saving up, and offer dishes that range from single portions to family-style. If you’re looking to share a spread with friends, the enchiladas Casa Azul with Abuelita sauce or mole Oaxaqueño with roasted organic chicken both serve six people each.
Order via Grubhub, Caviar
Tribeca
GrecaBrunch is all-day, every day at Greca, where everything is served with a Greek-inspired twist. Go for the soft-scrambled eggs with crumbled feta, avocado and tomato -- available in a bowl, sandwich or a burrito -- or the avocado toast if you’re looking for something healthy (for once!) during the neverending quarantine.
Order via Grubhub, Seamless
Upper East Side
The JeffreyThe Jeffrey has reintroduced a select number of brunch items to the menu as they’ve transitioned to takeout and delivery only. The current brunch options -- a BLT with egg salad and the Jeffrey O.G. Burger with a Pat La Frieda beef and Nueske's applewood smoked bacon -- are stellar choices to throw back with a brew from their expansive beer menu, offered in both cans and growlers.
Call 212-355-BEER (2337) or order via Grubhub, Seamless
Washington Heights
Le ChéileThere are perhaps few places more fitting for real, in-person gatherings than Le Chéile -- which is named for a Gaelic phrase that translates to “together” -- but since that isn’t possible right now, the next best thing is enjoying some of their cozy pub fare for takeout and delivery. And be sure to order both the Irish bacon (cut from the back of a pig) and USA bacon (pork belly) because bacon brings the world together.
Order via Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats
West Village
Extra VirginExtra Virgin’s breakfast menu is still offering plenty to choose from for every taste, from their Garcia omelette and banana French toast to eggs benedict and Mediterranean avocado toast. Their menu also includes an array of delicious salads and entrees to fill out your feast. And with every purchase over $100, they’ll include one free roll of TP.
Order via Caviar, Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats
Williamsburg
Concord HillThis Williamsburg eatery with a core focus on ingredients from local suppliers offers a dry-aged burger in addition to two types of steak: hanger and strip. Their fingerling potatoes with truffle mayo is also a great option for an extra set of veggies on the side (yes, potatoes fit that category). Add on a Build Your Own Mimosa Kit for a boozy finish. For their Build Your Own Bloody Mary Kit, you can request mezcal or tequila instead of vodka if you prefer.
Call 347-463-9322 for 15% off alcoholic beverages or order via Caviar, Seamless
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Victoria Marin is a writer and digital content producer based in Brooklyn. Follow her on Twitter.
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