I’m back with another update to a popular round-up of mine. And this time, it’s brunch. The hours-long meal period spans breakfast and lunch, and could even be considered a very early dinner for some. Regardless of whether you choose to imbibe or not, it’s my firm belief that this list should be limited to proper sit-down-table-service restaurants where drinks are an option for those who do.
But a good brunch spot stands on the merits of its food, ambiance, and service – regardless of your alcohol intake. And while I still enjoy all of the restaurants (one’s still included) on the previous version of this roundup, the Upper West Side has stepped up its brunch game quite a bit over the last 3 years, so let’s get eggy with it.
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The Consulate
Brunch: Weekends, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Consulate opened its doors about a month after my original brunch list was published, and that was about five months before the shutdown occurred. I regret taking so long to swing by because this place is a vibe. It’s beautiful and chic with a little bit of eccentricity and little to no pretension. When you walk in, you’re transported into a European brasserie with a New York sense of cool. The bar is tempting and the dining room inviting. But none of this overshadows the mouthwatering brunch menu which has offerings for all appetites: granola bowls and salads to croque monsieurs and luscious lobster bennies. And if you like waffles, this is your spot! Whether savory or sweet is your preference, you will be pleased with the Nutella, Berry, Burrata, and Salmon options on this menu. The beverage choices are aplenty, so you can take you time with your meal, your company, and perhaps a little New York eavesdropping. According to our readers, The Consulate is one of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side.
The Consulate’s Burrata Waffle
519 Columbus Avenue (at 85th street)
https://uws.theconsulate.nyc/
READ MORE: Best Chinese Food on the Upper West Side
Miriam
Brunch: Served daily until 4 p.m.
One of the newest additions to the neighborhood, Miriam expanded its beloved Israeli-inspired Park Slope concept in January 2022. But its food goes beyond borders by offering everything you’d expect from an Israeli brunch spot – like soul-warming Shakshukas and light-as-air Jerusalem Bagels – while also featuring Norwegian eggs, Challah Croques, and Chicken Schnitzel. One of my favorite things about Miriam’s brunch is actually its very comprehensive a la carte menu. Because when you’re an indecisive Gemini like me, you want to have it all at once, and here you actually can. You can add Potato Pancakes and Granola to your Burekas if you so please, or toss in a Jerusalem Bagel with your Challah French Toast. Stomach’s the limit! Brunch menu aside for a moment, I’d also like to appreciate the beautiful setting that this restaurant provides; whether you choose inside or out, you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable.
Miriam’s Potato Pancake
300 Amsterdam Avenue (at 74th Street)
https://www.miriamrestaurant.com/upperwestsidemenu
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Maison Pickle
Brunch: Served daily until 4 p.m.
The offshoot to longtime favorite, Jacob’s Pickles, Maison Pickle is known for its cocktails and French Dip. And I love those things, but we’re here for brunch, and I am here to say that they should be known for that as well. It’s another 7-day brunch spot–which is my favorite kind as someone who works a “less traditional” schedule than most. It also means that if you want to avoid the weekend crowds, you can skip work and brunch another day (I hold no liability for skipping-work consequences)! Maison Pickle’s brunch menu is quite robust for this hybrid meal. And it includes their signature French Dips if you’re so inclined, but I would suggest you get a little more adventurous. Their selection of Challah French Toasts is even more vast than The Consulate’s Waffle offerings. With classics like Berries and Maple Butter to Hot Honey Chicken and the Lumber Jack Stack, you will not leave hungry. And if you’re looking to soak up some of the sins from the night before, I highly recommend their Croque Madam WITH the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, which is actually built into this sandwich stack. And the most surprising part is that you won’t feel like a rock if you consume the whole thing, hungover or not.
Croque Madam
2315 Broadway (between 84th and 83rd Street)
www.maisonpickle.com
READ MORE: Best Bagels on the Upper West Side
Friedman’s
50 West 72nd Street (new location between Columbus and CPW)
Brunch: Served daily until 4 p.m.
You may have heard the news that Friedman’s moved from its smaller location on 72nd Street to the space that was briefly a Community Food & Juice (both restaurants were included in my original list). And as someone who’s done plenty of large group outings with varied New York diners, I appreciate all that this new Friedman’s has to offer. Its original concept was to cater to the gluten-intolerant, so much so that they stick little flags in your food to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. They’ve upped that commitment to making sure that no one has any notable dietary concerns before putting your order in. Which means that whatever brunching mood you’re in, you really can’t go wrong here. I love a benny and I love a latke, so I love a Nova Benny with both on the plate. Their Buttermilk Pancakes are also fluffy and delicious and if you’d prefer something on the lighter side, they’ve got you covered with their classic salads and grain bowls.
Friedman’s Nova Benny (served on potato latkes)
50 West 72nd Street (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
friedmansrestaurant.com/72nd-street-menus/
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Harvest Kitchen
Brunch: Served daily until 4 p.m.
The umpteenth makeover for this space in the last few years, Harvest Kitchen claims to be “created by neighborhood parents, chefs, nutritionists, and food lovers,” but I’m not sure how much of that is true and how much of it is a desperate rebranding of a space which had a problematic chef at its helm. But I am a believer in second chances, and one thing that was almost always true of the restaurants that existed here was that the food was worth paying money for. So I gave them a chance and I will say that the facelift that the space has had certainly does make you feel invited in (or out). The outdoor space is pretty nice as well. I put this place fifth on my list because I think the stars of its “daytime menu” are not necessarily those with traditional breakfast items. The guacamole is a hold-over from AG Kitchen, as are the tacos, and they’re always crowd-pleasers. I also very much enjoyed the flatbreads which are suggested to share, but if you fall for them like I do, you may find yourself in less of a sharing mood. I am also very appreciative of their thoughtful non-alcoholic beverage offerings. Too often the sober set is ignored and only offered sugary sodas or flat waters. But their Zero Proof cocktails are a joy. The Ricotta pancakes are probably my favorite breakfast item there, but don’t take my word for it, check it all out for yourself and bring a group of hungry friends!
Shroom Flatbread
269 Columbus Ave (at 73rd Street)
harvestkitchennyc.com
How is Jacob’s pickles not on this list!?
How? By serving a giant, way-over-the-top plate of uniquely subpar food. It’s not a list of best community college cantinas.
Please add this new restaurant to the Brunch/Lunch/Dinner list! Address is 854 Amsterdam Avenue.
https://www.thegrandfeast.nyc/
Harvest Kitchen follows AG Kitchen which had an amazing Chef (IMHO). Perhaps you are thinking of prior to AG Kitchen? Either way, it’s a good spot!
Only a small amount of places is obviously not for the New Yorker or tourist. There are still places not mentioned who would welcome the business. I suppose only 4 places paid for their place to be mentioned?
There are 5, and no one paid to be on this list. Next time we publish a “best-of” list, we’ll make sure to include everyone.
What happened to Cafe Lux?
Hey Yo Adrrienne,
What? You never heard of Barney Greengrass?
‘flat water’ = ‘still water’, i presume?