8 Dependable NYC Brunch Spots // Manhattan

Click behind the cut to see which spot is #1 

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably swiftly deduced that brunch is, in typical white girl fashion, my favorite meal. To everyone's great dismay (except that of restauranteurs, perhaps?), brunch in New York can be unreasonably expensive and still leave you feeling unsatisfied. To avoid wasting money, I've made it my personal duty to scope out drool-worthy breakfast spots in the city (particularly those that serve breakfast late, or better yet, all day) so that I'm never at a loss for where to go. I would like to pass on some of my New York City brunch knowledge to you! :) Today, I'll be sharing eight of my go-to spots around the city (Manhattan specifically, at least in this post) and some of my favorite dishes there. I'll be doing more breakfast and food-themed posts soon, including where not to go. In the meantime, you can follow me along on my food adventures on Instagram @MissYanaCherie if you like :)

1. Root + Bone

Root and Bone, Root and Bone...how can I even begin to describe Root and Bone? It has two Fendi purses, and a silver Lexus. Jokes aside, Root + Bone is da shit. This place is so good, every time I leave, I dream about it the whole day week afterwards. 

You must try: 

• Buckwheat waffles with cheddar (pour on the whiskey sauce) 

• their signature bacon (it's absolutely delicious but way overpriced for three tiny pieces, as with Grandma Daisy's Angel biscuits, which are grossly overpriced IMO, but oh-so-good) 

• Fried chicken, obviously 

• their macaroni & cheese (I normally am not a fan of mac n cheese, but this one is delicious) 

The grilled peach caprese salad is also pretty good, and I recommend getting two eggs any style ($4). They serve breakfast-type fare super late into the day, and I'm pretty sure you can get the chicken and waffles at any time.

2. Cafe Orlin

Cafe Orlin is one of my faves, and always a go-to when I'm in the neighborhood of St. Marks, especially since they serve breakfast till 4:00 pm every day. I've eaten here so many times I've lost count, and once spotted the Sprouse brothers (Dylan and Cole from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody) dining just a few feet away from me. All of their dishes are pretty good and dependable. I practically always get the same thing, though, because it's my absolute favorite (undoubtedly sampling my fellow diner's meal, to be sure :P)  - the green omelette with mozzarella. The open-faced omelette has parsley, dill, and scallions and is served with the most delicious home fries and organic multi-grain toast. I make it at home, too, but the toast and the home fries...I'm making myself hungry now.

I seriously get it almost every time...

Like, every time.

No, but actually.

3. Clinton St. Baking Company 

This place is a bit on the pricey side, but they serve breakfast all friggin' day. Meaning, you can get their signature blueberry pancakes for dinner. And you just might have to, considering the hefty lines for this place. I've gone there and actually been turned away because the line was too long. But the wait (if reasonable) is worth it - everything there is good, especially the pancakes, which is what they are famous for. Once a year, in February, Clinton St. has a special pancake month wherein they have a different amazing flavor every couple of days. I've only tried it once and had chocolate raspberry pancakes. If that's not enough to pull at your heart strings, the chicken and waffles are also really good!

I've waited an obscenely long time to eat here before but I wouldn't do more than an hour of a wait; in the meantime, you can always sign up for a spot at Root + Bone (it's a short walk away)...or go to trusty Wafels & Dinges, which is nearby, too! 

4. Chalait

I've reviewed this spot before, so click on over for a more in-depth analysis of their various offerings. I really appreciate their unique takes on toast. Plus, they've got classic cult favorites like Nutella toast, and their matcha lattes are eye-catching and delicious. 

5. Two Hands

Continuing the trend of overly-Instagrammed cafes and brunch favorites (I'm one of the biggest culprits, I know), we have Two Hands. Fluffy white clouds adorn the ceiling of this Chinatown brunch hotspot. Their acai bowl is a New York favorite, but I'm partial to the avocado toast and the ricotta toast with berries! This spot stops serving breakfast in the evening, as well, around 6 pm!

6. Jack's Wife Freda 

Two locations means twice the chances to get your hands on their duck bacon. Off the top of my head, I recommend the tuna salad, chicken kebab, rosewater waffle, Jack's breakfast, the Mediterranean breakfast, the french fries, and the hot sauce. You need this hot sauce in your life. I don't even like hot sauce that much and I love this one. Dip the French fries in and enjoy. They serve breakfast till the afternoon!

Their famous sugar packets are very cute and worth a snap:

Above: the chicken kebab, tuna salad, rosewater waffle, duck bacon, and fries 

Jack's breakfast with fries and lots of hot sauce

Mediterranean breakfast, avocado toast (mostly because it came with fries), and tuna salad

Tuna salad & chicken kebab 

Mediterranean breakfast

7. Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe

This Australian-influenced cafe is super trendy, like other purveyors of all things gluten-free and avocado-themed, and designed to look like a beach cafe. They've opened up a few locations, but the West Village Collective Cafe remains the top spot for brunchin'. The waiters have beautiful Australian accents and the flat whites are perfect for Instagram. My favorite dish here is the avocado smash with poached egg. 

^Flimsy bread for the avocado toast :/

8. Cafe La Cerra

Finding a cute spot to grab a bite near Midtown can be tough, but Cafe La Cerra has yummy avocado toast and cute latte art to brighten your day. :) Their acai bowls are pretty good, too.

Above: ugly acai bowl, pretty milk art on the hot chocolate

Below: nicely adorned acai bowl, pretty beat-looking hot chocolate

You just can't win!

Honorable mention: Wafels & Dinges

Because, let's be realistic. Sometimes you just need a great big ole waffle with Nutella, whipped cream, nuts, fruit, and Speculoos...and more Nutella. Drizzled on top. Mmm.

(Casual solemn black bags in the background)

Look out for my next brunch-themed post and please let me know if you have any suggestions! I have a ton of places on my list to try out but am always happy to add more ;)