12 FANTASTIC Lower East Side Brunch Spots (Ranked by a Local) (2024)

The Lower East Side (LES) is my go-to neighborhood, a cultural melting pot with global cuisine that’s a delight for foodies like me. I affectionately call it the Lower Eats Side due to its abundance of top-notch restaurants. And my ultimate favorite meal? Brunch.

As a local, I’ve uncovered iconic and hidden-gem brunch spots, ensuring you won’t waste time or money on a subpar experience. Ready to explore the magic of Lower East Side brunch? I’ve got you covered with my personal list of favorite spots. Let’s dive in!

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Best Brunch in the Lower East Side

Dudley’s

Website: Dudley’s
Address:85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Daily, 9AM – 3:45PM

Dudley’s, created by the same team behind the renowned Ruby’s in SoHo, has solidified its position as a top brunch spot in the Lower East Side, maintaining an exceptional level of hospitality. Although Ruby’s began as a cafe, Dudley’s leans more towards a bistro, sharing some similarities in dishes but offering its own unique charm.

This Australian hotspot also stands out for providing some of the most budget-friendly brunch options in the LES. While not exactly cheap, it offers excellent value and most meals can be had for under $20. If you’re seeking a recommendation, especially if you have a sweet tooth, order the ricotta pancakes. With honeycomb butter, maple syrup, and Nutella, you’ll likely crave a second serving for days.

Essex

Website: Essex
Address: 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Weekends, 11AM – 4:30PM

Essex offers an enticing weekend brunch deal at $45, featuring 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and a choice of entrees, including mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers, and Narraganset draft beers. All members of your party must participate.

The menu includes classic American brunch items like omelets, eggs benedict, and avocado toast, as well as unique options like chilaquiles and arepas, along with a couple of vegan dishes. Essex stands out by promptly refilling drinks, and providing excellent value. Despite the lively atmosphere, the staff remains remarkably attentive and friendly.

Being one of the most popular brunch spots in the Lower East Side, reservations are strongly recommended.

Clinton St. Baking Company

Website: Clinton St. Baking Company
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Daily, 9AM – 4PM

Clinton St. Baking Company was born in 2001 to prodigy chef Neil Kleinberg. A native New Yorker, Kleinberg honed his skills in the kitchen from a young age and opened his first restaurant at a mere 22 years old.Having first opened their doors as a small batch bakery, Clinton St. Baking Company’s rise in popularity forced them to buy the property next door and evolve into a full fledged restaurant. Thanks to their world renowned pancakes, you’re all but guaranteed the best brunch in the Lower East Side.

The pancakes are famous for good reason. On their website, Clinton St. Baking Company says their current mission is to live up to the “hype” and I can attest,they do. The pancakes are everything you want them to be, fluffy and airy. I like them with wild Maine blueberries but there are also options for banana walnut or chocolate chunk.

Offering more traditional American breakfast dishes, Clinton St. Baking is well placed among the best brunch in the Lower East Side. It’s also one of the most popular brunch spots in the LES, so don’t forget reservations!

Pig & Butter

Website: Pig & Butter
Address: 134 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: All day

Pig & Butter might just be the brunch champion of the Lower East Side, and here’s why: they serve brunch all day. No need to set an early alarm or wait for a weekend table – whether it’s 4 pm on a Friday or any other time, you can enjoy chicken & waffles whenever you want at this LES brunch spot. To sweeten the deal, you can pair your all-day brunch with booze for just $20. Bottomless mimosas or red & white sangria accompany your favorite Lower East Side brunch dishes.

Something to note: Make sure to check the hours of operations online before visiting. They vary by season and since I don’t want you folks to miss out on this LES brunch spot.

Round K by Sol

Website: Round K by Sol
Address: 78 Canal St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 AM – 04:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Round K was a popular Lower East Side brunch spot that closed during the pandemic. Now, Round K by Sol, led by Hansol Kim, who worked at the original, has revived the beloved spot with his personal touch. This Korean-influenced LES brunch spot features unique items like kimchi butter and kimchi ranch. Despite the small menu, each dish is packed with flavor.

Round K by Sol is more of a café than a restaurant, making it one of the best-value brunch spots in the Lower East Side. Most items are under $15, offering a budget-friendly option compared to restaurant prices exceeding $20 for similar dishes.

Set LES

Website: Set LES
Address: 127 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Weekends 12 – 4PM

Set L.E.S goes above and beyond by handpicking all ingredients to ensure the freshest and highest quality dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is pub-style with an Asian flair.

The highlight of this Lower East Side brunch spot is its outstanding bottomless brunch offering. Priced at $45, you can opt for either an entree or the SET special (a combo with fries) and relish in 90 minutes of unlimited drinks. You can pick from mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers, beer or a non-alcoholic drink. It’s super cool that Set L.E.S is a brunch spot in the Lower East Side extending the bottomless option for folks who don’t drink alcohol.

Davelle

Website: Davelle
Address: 102 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Monday through Friday 8AM – 5PM, Weekends 9AM – 6PM

Davelle offers a minimalist Japanese-inspired brunch experience in the Lower East Side. Despite its small size, accommodating around 10 people inside and a few more outside, the service is quick, and you rarely have to wait for a table. The charming aesthetic initially caught my attention, but I’ve become a frequent visitor for the easygoing Lower East Side brunch experience.

The menu complements the cafe’s size, with the famous toast being a standout – available in both savory (like ham and egg) and sweet (like berry and cream cheese) options. Davelle’s cozy and charming vibe makes it feel like a hidden gem in the neighborhood, offering tasty and memorable Japanese meals and drinks.

Balvanera

Website: Balvanera
Address: 152 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Weekends, 11AM – 4:30PM

Balvanera is an Argentinian restaurant named after a neighborhood in Buenos Aires renowned for its creative spirit. The sun-soaked and charming restaurant pairs nicely with the Argentinian cuisine for one of the best brunch experiences in the Lower East Side.

You’ll find both sweet and savory dishes as well as classic brunch fare for those who like to keep things simple. The experience is only made better thanks to one of the best boozy brunch in the Lower East Side. For $25 (with the purchase of a brunch entree) you’ll get to enjoy two hours of bottomless sangria or mimosas.

Freemans

Website: Freemans
Address: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002
Brunch: Weekends, 11AM – 3PM

Freemans is a top brunch spot in the Lower East Side, hidden at the end of an alley on Rivington Street between Chrystie and Bowery. The place feels like a rustic cabin, mostly thanks to the plethora of animal head mounts.

The cozy wooden accents create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the friendly staff enhance the dining experience. The menu features simple, home-style cooking with satisfying portions. Regardless of your order, don’t miss starting with the artichoke dip—it’s absolutely delicious and ideal for sharing.

Sonnyboy

Website: Sonnyboy
Address: 65 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Friday to Sunday, 10AM – 5PM

Sonnyboy, an Australian restaurant, has become a go-to spot for weekend brunch in the Lower East Side since its opening in 2019. Focused on creating a neighborhood hangout, Sonnyboy offers a laid-back and welcoming environment, ensuring guests never feel rushed. It has become a favorite among locals and a must-visit for visitors.

The menu features creative dishes bursting with flavor and diverse textures, satisfying both sweet and savory cravings. Notable highlights include the Ricotta Hotcakes and Burrata & Fig Toast, with well-thought-out and perfectly executed combinations.

For those looking for an affordable sit-down brunch option in the Lower East Side, Sonnyboy fits the bill with entrees priced between $14-$20, providing excellent value for a satisfying meal.

Beauty & Essex

Website: Beauty & Essex
Address: 146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Sundays, 11:30AM – 4PM

Beauty & Essex may initially confuse first-time visitors with its pawn shop-like exterior. However, once you step inside, you’ll discover a hidden gem among the best brunch restaurants in the LES. Beyond the antique-laden walls lies a stunning dining experience, with four dining rooms accessible via a winding staircase.

This LES brunch joint spares no expense in creating an elegant atmosphere. From the two-story chandelier to designer jewelry for sale, every detail exudes sophistication. Even the women’s bathroom features a salon, luxurious couch, and antique perfume bottles.

What truly sets them apart as one of the best in the Lower East Side is their exceptional brunch spreads, featuring unique dishes that are Instagram-worthy. Notably, Beauty & Essex is renowned for their Oreo Cookie pancakes, where fine Oreo crumbs are sprinkled over a stack held together by a sweet filling reminiscent of an Oreo.

Serafina

Website: Serafina
Address: 98 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Brunch hours: Weekends, 11:30AM – 3:30PM

Serafina is an Italian restaurant founded by two friends who were lost at sea and dreamed of delicious food (can you blame them?). They vowed that if they were rescued they’d open a restaurant together and, luckily, they did! Although I can’t relate to being lost at sea, I certainly understand the joy of a good meal. With some of the best brunch offerings in the Lower East Side, Serafina is definitely worth a visit.

While the menu includes typical brunch items like eggs and avocado toast, what makes Serafina unique is their brunch pasta options, including cacio e pepe, spicy penne alla vodka, and tagliolini carbonara. If you’re into boozy brunches, Serafina has you covered with options of $35 for an hour and a half or $70 for three hours, allowing you to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Best Lower East Side Brunch (Post Summary)

1. Essex
2. Dudley’s
3. Clinton St. Baking Company
4. Serafina
5. Beauty & Essex
6. Sonnyboy
7. Creperie
8. Freemans
9. Pig & Butter
10. Balvanera
11. Davelle
12. Set LES
13. Round K by Sol

Helpful Related Links

• Things to Do:15 Exciting Things To Do in the Lower East Side
• Best Drinks in the Neighborhood:15 BOOZY Bars in the Lower East Side
• Where to Grab Brunch:15 Fantastic Lower East Side Brunch Spots
• Rooftop Bars in Manhattan:10 Tasty Lower East Side Rooftop Bars
• Coffee Shops:15 Essential Coffee Shops in the Lower East Side
• Happy Hour Deals:15 Refreshing Happy Hours in the Lower East Side To Unwind

LES Brunch (Map)

And there you have it, the best brunch the Lower East Side has to offer.

Cheers!

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