As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Luckily, New York City offers plenty of excellent places to grab a bite in the morning.
From the best local cafes to a breakfast spot with a book collection hidden around every corner, we’ve rounded up the best NYC options for your early-morning needs.
Freemans
Located at the end of an alley, this deer antler-inspired bar/restaurant is a must try for anyone looking to eat out with a twist. The aforementioned swoon worthy cocktails are accompanied by a menu that includes the best English breakfast we have ever eaten.
This is one of the most highly reviewed restaurants on OpenTable and is a must for those looking to find the best brunch in town. The best way to experience this swanky establishment is to book a table ahead of time, as they can be packed on a weekend morning. It might be a bit of a hike from the subway, but it’s well worth the effort.
Soho Diner
Soho Diner channels diners of yore, design wise. Salmon-colored upholstered booths, cherry wood finishes and a Crosley jukebox evoke a refined retro vibe.
It’s a 24-hour eatery at Soho Grand Hotel that mixes the classics with modern nostalgia. The menu features dishes such as Smashed Avocado Toast with green onions and shaved radish; Malted Waffles with whipped butter and maple syrup; and Burrata Filled Blintzes.
Soho Diner is a must-visit for its elevated American fare and friendly service. They are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour and weekend brunches.
Gertie
Gertie is a counter-service restaurant that’s shaped like an Xanax. It’s all day, but breakfast is the best time to visit.
Gertie was created by newspaper cartoonist Winsor McCay, who is regarded as a pioneer in early animation. His 1914 theatrical short “Gertie the Dinosaur” combined live action and animation.
McCay portrayed Gertie on stage in front of a screen, and he directed her to do various tricks. It was a unique combination of live performance and animated character that influenced later animation pioneers, including Walt Disney.
Golden Diner
This Two Bridges spot combines the best of the Asian food scene with all the diner essentials. The restaurant is run by Momofuku Ko vet Samuel Yoo and it serves up some tasty eats.
One of the most interesting things to try at this opulent establishment is their breakfast menu. It’s a small collection of dishes, most of which are clearly labeled. The most impressive is the oxtail egg sando, which is a mouthwatering fusion of traditional diner foods with Asian ingredients and techniques. It may be the best breakfast we’ve had in Manhattan, and it certainly deserves a spot on our list of the best.
Great Jones Cafe
The cult Noho Cajun-Creole joint Great Jones Cafe, located at 54 Great Jones Street off the Bowery, has closed. The bar’s owner, Jim Moffett, passed away last month and there are no plans to reopen.
The place, which opened in 1983, was a quirky hangout for downtown personalities that exuded personality and character. It featured a bar overhung with Christmas lights, a rock-and-roll jukebox and a Las Vegas-era bust of Elvis.
Gabriel Stulman recently opened Jolene in the former Great Jones Cafe space. The 34-seat restaurant is named after the regulars’ nickname for the restaurant and keeps its bright orange facade. It’s decorated with slotted wooden ceilings, taxidermy and leather banquettes.
Fabrique Bakery
Fabrique Bakery, the first US outpost of Sweden’s wildly popular bread chain, opened in May in Manhattan’s meatpacking district. Its cardamom bun is so good that New York Times food writer Florence Fabricant compared it to chef Dominique Ansel’s famed cronut.
The bakery, which was founded in Stockholm 12 years ago and now has 19 locations around the world, makes artisanal sourdough breads and Swedish-style cardamom buns. It also sells croissants, Danish pastries, and other treats.