Let’s do brunch! Whether it’s buffet, a la carte, laid-back or special occasion-worthy, brunch is a proposition most can’t resist. Mostly reserved for the weekends, it’s a treat to cap off the week, made to be enjoyed leisurely among friends and proven to effectively postpone the Sunday scaries.
Brunch has become so popular, narrowing down a list of just 21 recommendations in our region is a challenge. When it comes to everyone’s favorite midday meal, we feel that each of these restaurants stands out for their food, atmosphere and overall experience.
Here’s where to eat brunch in the Northeast.
The Beehive
Boston
Nestled in the Boston Center for the Arts complex, The Beehive is an art space as well as an eatery. The decor is decidedly Bohemian, with exposed stone, painted murals and multicolored curtains draped everywhere.
The Beehive is a Boston hotspot for live music. Join the other bees for food and drink at the live music brunch, held every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While you enjoy the entertainment, try the coffee cake du jour, corned beef hash or eggs shakshuka.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
Locations in Boston and Watertown, Mass.
For comfort food (what could be better at brunch?), head over to one of Buttermilk & Bourbon’s two Massachusetts locations. The menu is based on the American South, with a focus on the food and culture of New Orleans. At brunch, which runs on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the menu includes buttermilk-fried chicken and cheddar-bourbon waffles, pulled pork Benedict and freshly fried beignets. For cocktails, order a round of B&B Hurricanes.
Clink.
Boston
If you’re looking for where to eat brunch in Boston, Clink has great food and a great story. The restaurant is in the unique Liberty Hotel, which used to be a prison. You can still see bars from original jail cells and exposed brick walls in the dining room, offset by stylish lighting, an open kitchen and butcher block tables.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you and your friends can enjoy the artisan breakfast sandwich, yogurt parfait, smoked salmon platter and other favorites. The best part is Clink’s self-service bloody mary bar. So long, prison hooch!
Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
Boston
Lincoln is a brunch spot every day of the week. Along with breakfast and lunch standards like omelets, salads and sandwiches, you’re sure to be tempted by their wood-fired pizzas, including a breakfast pizza topped with poached eggs, caramelized onions, bacon, roasted tomatoes and hash browns.
Sunny Side Up
West Springfield, Mass.
Serving all-day breakfast six days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., there’s a lot to be “eggscited” about (as their menu says) at Sunny Side Up. Highlights at this small but welcoming family-owned and operated establishment include nine types of benedicts, egg sandwiches and breakfast wraps. Lunch begins at 11 a.m., when you can start ordering sandwiches, burgers, melts and a variety of Polish specialties. Try the Polish Platter for a sampling of pierogi, stuffed cabbage, sausages and more.
Ogie’s Trailer Park
Providence, R.I.
You don’t want to miss the trailer park brunch at Ogie’s, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The weirdly wonderful indoor/outdoor dining establishment is decorated to look like a circle of 1950s-style aluminum trailers.
Order your meal at the window of one of the trailers and chow down on delights like breakfast tots, vegan French toast, jalapeno cheddar grits and eggs with bacon lardons and tomatillo sauce, or their version of eggs benny, served on a biscuit with barbecue pulled pork. If you’re not into bloody marys and mimosas or you’ve had your fill of brunch cocktails, bottomless coffee is also an option.
The Salted Slate
Providence, R.I.
The Salted Slate is a stylish eatery, serving up fresh, local and organic food from nearby New England farms. Though the menu changes frequently, some items you can expect to see include a smoked salmon plate, frittata and lemon ricotta pancakes. Whatever you order, the hands-down best side dish is a bag of warm doughnuts. There’s also a “no fuss, no muss” to-go brunch that includes everything you need for a group brunch at home for $20 per person.
Ocean House
Watch Hill, R.I.
Enjoy a luxurious brunch at Rhode Island’s only AAA Five Diamond Designated hotel to the sounds of jazz, blues and soul from local musician Greg Piccolo. Every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ocean House’s chefs prepare an a la carte menu of sharable plates of fruit, cheese and charcuterie, local shellfish and more, followed by two courses of elevated brunch fare and assorted desserts.
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Garden City, N.Y.
The a la carte spread served every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the AAA Four Diamond Garden City Hotel makes deciding where to eat brunch on Long Island easy. A raw bar selection, eggs cooked any way you like and chef David Burke’s take on classics such as croque madame, lobster mac and cheese and chicken and waffles are a delicious way to treat yourself for special occasions or simply celebrate the weekend.
Cowfish
Hampton Bays, N.Y.
Outside on the deck or lawn, Cowfish brunchers can relax with the view and breezes off the Shinnecock Canal (which also makes it easily accessible by boat). On the menu, you’ll find the likes of braised pork Benedict, filet tournedos – a classy take on steak and egg made with filet mignon, potato hash and bearnaise sauce, fish entrees and sandwiches. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Jacob’s Pickles
New York, N.Y.
Jacob’s Pickles, of course, has perfected its pickle game, so be sure to sample a few – or all – of their nine pickled items. It’s also known for its biscuits, sizeable craft beer list and laid-back atmosphere. If that doesn’t tick off every item on your brunch checklist, the breakfast and Southern biscuit sandwiches ought to do it. The Southern-inspired menu is all about comfort. Yes, please, sausage gravy-smothered fried chicken on a biscuit.
The Fulton
New York, N.Y.
Wondering where to eat brunch with a view? This Jean-Georges Vongerichten waterfront gem is located at Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan’s Seaport District, complete with outdoor dining and an unobstructed look at the Brooklyn Bridge.
A nod to the area’s history and former home of the Fulton Fish Market, the seafood-focused brunch menu is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a caviar selection, raw bar, variety of eggs Benedict, casual sandwiches and opulent mains, including Maine lobster with scrambled eggs.
Sunday in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, N.Y.
It doesn’t have to be Sunday; Sunday in Brooklyn serves brunch and dinner seven days a week. With its outdoor seating, rooftop and rustic chic décor, it’s exactly the kind of hip and trendy restaurant you would except to find in Williamsburg.
The Sunday Pancakes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter, avocado toast, shakshuka and biscuits and gravy are among the menu standouts. Cocktails, like the Honeybear on Holiday, presented in a repurposed honey bear bottle, are a lot of fun.
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Elm Street Diner
Stamford, Conn.
Waffle towers, donut stacks, pancake tacos and milkshakes with every conceivable topping balanced on top – Elm Street Diner leans into their Instagram-worthiness hard. Stop in for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and choose from the many imaginative creations, from Oreo Belgian waffles and churro French toast to chicken and waffles Benedict. And don’t forget to share @ElmStreetDiner!
Terrain Garden Café
Westport, Conn.
This dreamy indoor/outdoor greenhouse space has everything you need for a relaxing afternoon. Brunch is offered daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. And afterwards, you can shop the home and garden boutique.
Both the atmosphere and the food are light and fresh, making Terrain one of the most idyllic brunch places in Connecticut. Choose a grain bowl, sandwich, salad or breakfast item from the seasonally influenced menu, all made with ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. Pair your meal with a specialty coffee, cocktail or non-alcoholic drink from an impressive list of concoctions.
Engine Room
Mystic, Conn.
Located in a restored Lathrop Marine Engine building, this industrial-cozy restaurant does brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. When the weather is nice, patio dining is available with views of the Mystic River.
On the menu, selections include a breakfast sandwich made with Jersey pork roll, a crepe of the day and the Engine Room’s specialty hamburgers. Try the Hangover Burger topped with barbecue flourishes and a fried egg and wash it all down with one of the sixteen craft beers on tap.
Pond House Café
West Hartford, Conn.
While the locally fresh menu does not disappoint, it’s the setting that makes this brunch spot special. Part of the historic Elizabeth Park Conservancy, diners are treated to beautiful garden views. After brunch, explore the formal gardens and walking paths. Both the restaurant and grounds are open year-round, so you can enjoy the changing landscape through the seasons. Brunch is available 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Toast City Diner
Locations in Montclair, Red Bank and Asbury Park, N.J.
Open seven days a week, this cozy spot serves comfort food for breakfast, brunch and lunch all day, every day. The sweet offerings like carrot cake pancakes and bananas Foster French toast are not to be missed. Their mantra is “peace, love, pancakes,” after all. If you’d rather go savory, try the lobster cobb salad, smoked salmon omelette or the Brookdale cheese steak.
Robin’s Nest
Mt. Holly, N.J.
The historic and picturesque Robin’s Nest Restaurant has Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make sure to get your hands on their French toast martini or their Pickled Mario bloody mary as you sit down to order. The brunch sampler and egg tacos can satisfy any midday muncher, and the pork roll melt is the ultimate Jersey brunch pick.
Amanda’s Restaurant
Hoboken, N.J.
Situated in a series of refurbished brownstones, this Jersey favorite provides the perfect atmosphere for a weekend-making brunch. From eggs to burgers to pasta, there’s something for everyone. Pair your meal with Amanda’s homemade focaccia and a Bellini and you’re all set. Offered Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar
Edgewater, N.J.
Catch brunch service at Haven on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inside or out on the patio, the view of the Manhattan skyline in unbeatable. You can choose to have brunch a la carte or go with the prix fixe option, which includes your choice of brunch item and two mimosas, bloody marys or Bellinis.
Remember, if you plan on enjoying a few drinks with brunch, be sure to designate a driver.
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What’s your favorite brunch spot? Tell us in the comments below.
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PINSTRIPES – An extraordinary experience at a very reasonable price.
PINSTRIPES (Norwalk CT)
All you can eat 10am – 3pm Saturday & Sunday Buffet Brunch ($30/adult or $13/kids 6-12). A wonderful assortment of everything from fresh sliced prime rib and ham to desserts (and the whole spectrum in between). Many items sure to please anyone who appreciates wonderful food (even fussy eaters). Two hour time limit per table (not strictly enforced when the restaurant is not full). Does not include alcoholic drinks (which can be purchased separately including bottomless refills). Ratings by our family of three hearty eaters: wife 9/10, husband 10/10, 13-yr old son 10/10 (average: 9.7/10). Reservations recommended.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I could not have said it better myself !
The finest Sunday Brunch I have ever had was at the Thayer Hotel West Point NY
I have been to the Elm Street Diner in Stamford several times though not in about 4 years. Their homemade donuts are the best anywhere and worth the trip!
How about Rockland County? Just across the bridge from Westchester county.
Noone has said anything about little Georges in west springfield mass or the delaney house in Holyoke MA they should definitely be in the top 10. If your from mass and not from the east then those should be recognized as when you live in the west its hard to get to the east.
Nothing in all of Westchester County?
Try:X2O Xavier’s on the Hudson, YonkersNY
Try: Red Hat in Irvington, NY
Try Crabtree Kittlehouse Chappaqua, NY
Try: Sam’s of Gedney Way
White Plains, NY
In a Pickle
Waltham, MA
Excellent research and great selection of great areas restaurants so sorry not everyone was satisfied but it just covered Northeast this time. Sensational selection I’ve been to a few of these and I must say outrageously great food. Thank you I’ll visit others you recommended 🤗
Hello!! Nothing on all of Cape Cod?
Hi Marcia and thanks for reading Your AAA Network! Since AAA Northeast is active in five states, we try to touch them all in an article like this. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t allow for comprehensive coverage. So instead, we hope you’ll enjoy this article from our archives, “15 Cape Cod Restaurants You Have to Try”
It’s Memorial Day Weekend and Nothing in Plymouth or Cape Cod?
Hi Jerry and thanks for reading Your AAA Network! Since AAA Northeast is active in five states, we try to touch upon them all in articles like this. Unfortunately, this doesn’t allow for a comprehensive approach. Instead, we hope you’ll enjoy this article from our archives, 15 Cape Cod Restaurants You Have to Try
Is there nowhere in western MA worthy of inclusion in this article? I live in the Berkshires, a prime vacation spot for both metro NYC, and Boston. Seems it’s necessary to travel 2-3 hours for a good brunch. …That’s the travel time between Lenox and NYC or Boston.
Hi and thanks for reading Your AAA Network! Since AAA Northeast is active in five states, we try to touch them all in an article like this. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t allow for comprehensive coverage. But we’d love to hear your suggestions! Which restaurants in the area would you nominate for inclusion?
There is one from Western MA, Sunny Side Up is in West Springfield. . I have only been to brunch at the Red Lion in the Berkshires. I would love to try more – where would you recommend?
Reading about brunch spots in the Northeast. Sure wished you included information regarding parking. As a AAA organization, I really think you should not publish such recommendations at all unless they include parking information.
Hi Marie and thanks for reading Your AAA Network. That’s a really great suggestion and we may just incorporate it into future articles, stay tuned! Thanks again
Amazing, not one place in any of New York State except NYC and Long Island. You need to travel a little north to Westchester and the Hudson Valley.
Hi Jonathan and thanks for reading Your AAA Network! That’s a fair point. Since AAA Northeast covers five states, we try to touch them all in an article like this. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t allow for the kind of attention each region deserves. We hope you’ll enjoy the following articles instead, which explore a bit of NY State’s culinary highlights in the north:
1. This article explores the Lake George culinary scene: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/magazine/life/food-dining/exciting-culinary-adventures-in-new-york-sate/
2. In this guide, the Tastiest Northeast Food Destinations, we dedicate a section to wineries in the Finger Lakes area: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/guides/the-tastiest-northeast-food-destinations/#fingerwine.
3. Finally, in “The Most Romantic Restaurants Near You,” we highlight a restaurant in Geneva and another in Lake Placid: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/food-dining/romantic-restaurants-near/
Except for the gold coast, you left out most of Connecticut 😕
You have not had brunch until you’ve tried Will & Co. in Plymouth, Mass!
Hi Lauri and thanks for reading Your AAA Network! Since AAA Northeast spans five states, our articles try to cover them all. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t allow for each state to get the attention it deserves in a round-up article such as this. But we hope you’ll enjoy this article, written a few years ago, about the best of Connecticut cuisine: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/food-dining/connecticut-food-scene/
You have to try The Fort (Student Prince) in Springfield, MA. It’s a serve yourself style brunch and includes all of the breakfast staples and so much more. In addition they have three different entrees weekly, a carving station and dessert bar. I dare you to try a find a breakfast item that’s not included. If you ever went to the brunch at the Ivanhoe in W.Springfield, The Forts is even better. $25. per person and that also includes your choice of three Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas or Bellinis. If you’re lucky you’ll have Jeff as your server.
Thank you! I will try this place! This list is not even New England states except for Connecticut… what about Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine?!!
There are actually restaurants in New York state that are not on Long Island or in NYC, believe it or not. The Autumn Cafe in Oneonta is a great place for brunch!
anything in the springfield, ma area??
Hi Laurie. We’ll have to do a little research on that. In the meantime, maybe one of our other readers can make some suggestions.
Amazing brunch selections at Gardner Ale House, Gardner MA.
Northern Spy in Canton, MA has great brunch and excellent brunch cocktails, patio seating and is nestled in historic Paul Revere Heritage site!
Ronnie Waffles in Bridgewater, MA is a great brunch spot. They have all different waffle flavor combos and a waffle of the moment in case you can’t decide. A fun place , I highly recommend it!!
O’Rourke’s in Middletown, CT. Gourmet menu in family owned diner in lively college town on the Connecticut River.
Willow and Whisk in Wyckoff, NJ is a great place for brunch. Wonderful menu, friendly staff, truly a gem in Bergen County