Brunch is sacred in NYC. For many, it means catching up with friends over bottomless Bloody Marys. For others, it means family time, giving parents an opportunity to spend time with their kids who may be in school all week. It’s also a more casual option for dining in a restaurant with little ones, with more leeway for meltdowns and picky eaters. So, for the times you need something a little more family-friendly than one of NYC’s cosiest restaurant booths, here are our top spots for brunching with the tots.
120 Hudson St, NY 10013
Bubby’s, Tribeca
Best for: mountains of (really good) pancakes.
For nearly 35 years, Bubby’s has been serving a contender for the best pancakes in New York in a cosy corner restaurant. A NYC institution for classic, American cooking, it offers all-day brunch with three types of pancakes (including gluten-free) and dozens of toppings. Eggs, biscuits, burgers, and more are also available – plus, a separate kids’ menu.
bubbys.com
Sant Ambroeus, various locations
Best for: an upscale Italian experience.
With various locations across Manhattan, there’s likely a Sant Ambroeus convenient to you, and you know it’s a classy experience with details like white tablecloths and Murano glass chandeliers. The Italian menu is approachable though, making it a good option for a fancier family brunch. Parents can eat Scottish smoked salmon while tots munch on Chantilly-topped French toast made from raison brioche.
santambroeus.com
Various locations, Manhattan
Various locations
Sarabeth’s, various locations
Best for: celebrating special occasions.
Sarabeth’s was built on founder Sarabeth Levine’s homemade preserves and baked goods, which she began making in her apartment in 1981. Now, with four locations around Manhattan, it’s known for its excellent brunch. Choose from scrambled eggs served with fluffy popovers, lemon ricotta pancakes, and a host of omelettes and benedicts – best paired with one of three types of mimosas.
sarabethsrestaurants.com
Lingo, Greenpoint
Best for: the surprise-and-delight factor.
A hip Japanese-American restaurant might not seem like the place to enjoy a child-friendly brunch, but Lingo welcomes kids Friday–Sunday. The kids’ menu – with chocolate chip pancakes and milk bread grilled cheese – is presented on a fun activity sheet, and foodie stickers are often handed out. Parents can dig into apple tart tatin pancakes, duck confit sandos.
lingobk.com
27 Greenpoint Ave, NY 11222
657 Washington Ave, NY 11238
Little Egg, Prospect Heights
Best for: keeping the kids entertained.
When Williamsburg’s beloved Egg closed during the pandemic, it was the end of an era. So when it reopened as Little Egg in Prospect Heights, it was a win for the neighbourhood. Although it retains its hipster roots, it also provides crayons and a paper table-covering for drawing. On the menu, the rotating pastries shouldn’t be missed.
eggrestaurant.com
Thai Diner, NoHo
Best for: laid-back, funky diner vibes.
This fun Thai restaurant inside a classic diner has become a New York icon in just a few years. All day, the menu offers creative and classic Thai dishes that make for an innovative take on brunch – from Thai tea elephant ear French toast to Thai disco fries with massaman curry. Kids and grown-ups will love the casual vibe.
thaidiner.com
186 Mott St, NY 10012
605 Carlton Ave, NY 11238
Gertrude’s, Prospect Heights
Best for: a new take on the Jewish New York spread.
You’ll find New York classics like bagels, shmear, various types of smoked fish, and crispy potato latkes at Gerturde’s. But you’ll also see innovative creations like babka French toast, the Reuben burger, and Borscht Bloody cocktail. Located on a leafy corner of brownstone Brooklyn, there are always families taking up at least half of the tables on a weekend morning.
gertrudes.nyc
Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Times Square
Best for: brunch with a side of stardom.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is an ideal way to keep kids (and adults, let’s be honest) entertained while eating, thanks to continual performances by Broadway hopefuls who belt it out while serving hungry customers classic diner fare. Ideally located near Times Square, the old-school diner offers a robust menu of eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, and salads – there’s something for everyone.
ellensstardustdiner.com
1650 Broadway, NY 10019
18 E Broadway, NY 10002
Golden Unicorn, Chinatown
Best for: introducing the kids to authentic Chinese food.
Dim sum is a great way to introduce kids to authentic Chinese food, and Golden Unicorn offers a traditional experience. Flag down roving carts piled high with steamer baskets filled with everything from dumplings and pineapple buns to rice rolls and fried mochi. Kids will love the bustling dining room, choosing their food by sight and using chopsticks.
goldenunicornrestaurant.com
Miriam Restaurant, various locations
Best for: Middle Eastern brunch specialities.
Miriam’s Park Slope brunch mainstay has had brunch lines for years, and now, after renovating that original location, it also has three more locations – the newest in the West Village. The Middle Eastern breakfast (eggs, hummus, olives, chopped salad, freshly baked pita) is always popular, while the shakshuka, latkes benedict, and challah French toast are a few more favourites.
miriamrestaurant.com
140 7th Avenue South, NY 10014
380 Lafayette St, NY 10003
Lafayette, NoHo
Best for: a more luxury child-friendly spot.
A large French brasserie by Chef Andrew Carmellini, Lafayette is both stylish and approachable, making it the perfect choice for families seeking somewhere a bit posher than most kid-friendly spots. Start with the boulangerie basket, which presents tasty pastries from the in-site bakery, before digging into dishes like a croque madame, lemon ricotta pancakes, or a perfectly prepared Niçoise salad.
lafayetteny.com
And if you and the kids find yourselves in the Big Smoke sometime soon, read our round-up of London's best child-friendly brunches, too.
