Brunch is as often shamed as it is beloved. Regardless of your opinion, New York City does brunch really well. This list could be enormous. I’m keeping it to the places I would happily go on a Saturday morning.

Classic Brunch

Union Square Cafe (Flatiron)

A gorgeous space, excellent food, impeccable service. Definitely for a more upscale expereince.

Freemans (Lower East Side)

Cozy, hunting-lodge vibes with good hearty, American brunch. The pancakes are particularly delicious.

Bubby's (Tribeca; Meatpacking)

Biscuits and gravy, good ol’ bacon, the greasy, delicious classics. This can be a rowdy brunch or a hangover brunch. Can’t go wrong.

Extra Virgin (West Village)

Low key, unassuming but really good food. Huevos Rancheros are a really solid pick here. Great to sit outside when the weather is nice.

Hudson Clearwater (West Village)

They’ve got a standout cinnamon roll and a bustling atmosphere. Add the back garden and it’s a really solid, low-key pick.

Quality Eats (West Village)

A steakhouse in the evening but also, a solid brunch spot. Duck Fat Tater Tot Chilaquiles to share or Steak & Eggs and you can’t go wrong. You will need a nap.

Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)

A cafe or an old school Jewish smoked fish counter spot. Bagel, smoked fish of your choice, schmear and a really excellent start to your weekend day.

Sadelle's (Soho)

Upscale brunch with excellent bagel and smoked fish situation and a decadent french toast. Really well appointed and a cool vibe. Reservation required.

The Dutch (Soho)

A really cool, usually open air spot in Soho. A donut tower, a great scramble, and oh my goodness the biscuits. You must order the biscuits. Go early.

French-style Brunch

Buvette (West Village)

A tiny, close quarters french spot on the cutest street in West Village. Small serving sizes but the eggs with prosciutto is to die for as is the waffle sandwich.

Frenchette (Tribeca)

A cool, new take on a French restaurant. The menu lends itself to cooler weather as it’s a little heavier. Really cool interior.

La Mercerie (Soho)

A well appointed brunch spot in the middle of a super upscale homewares store. The lemon butter (a little thing but so good) and the blinis are delicious!

Lafayette (Noho)

The french bistro but built for brunch. The space is gorgeous and large, great for larger groups. Soft scramble is delicious.

A Cool Brunch Vibe

The East Pole (Upper East Side)

On the healthy side, tucked into a beautiful brownstone on the Upper East Side. There’s a really cool upstairs area too!

Jeffrey's Grocery (West Village)

My corner spot but it’s amazing wherever you live. Feels like a rustic coastal with a cool curated vibe. The Bloody Caesar, the Benedict, the Pancakes. Enjoy!

Shuka (Soho)

A really cool small plates Mediterranean restaurant that has a really cool take on brunch. Really fun colorful space in Soho.

Pig and Khao (Lower East Side)

They have a rowdy all you can drink brunch with cool spicy Thai food options (but also a really good French Toast)!

Healthy Brunch

Two Hands (Noho; Tribeca and more)

Really airy, coastal spaces with virtuous food. The banana bread is often photographed (and more importantly enjoyed) but I also like the savory bowls.

Bluestone Lane (West Village, Nolita and more)

There are lots of locations that are super low key, but the West Village locations do become a “spot” on weekends. I like the big breakfast platter.

Butcher's Daughter (Nolita; West Village)

Butcher’s Daughter’s stays pretty much plant based (other than eggs) and they do “replacements” for things like cheese but without it tasting gross. Very Cali vibes.