305 West End Assisted Living Blog

Best Brunch Spots on the Upper West Side

brunch plate with eggs and avocado on toast.

Weekends are made for relaxing, and there’s no better way to relax than enjoying a sumptuous brunch. New York City, and the UWS in particular, is home to some of the best brunch spots on the East Coast. From casual and cozy to elegant and refined, we’ve curated a list of the best brunch spots on the Upper West Side.

7 Best Brunch Spots on the Upper West Side

Bluestone Lane

417 Amsterdam Avenue

An UWS newcomer, Bluestone Lane’s menu features healthy, seasonally-inspired dishes using local ingredients. If you like to sleep in – no worries, breakfast is served all day! Try a breakfast bowl with kale, heirloom tomatoes, feta, avocado, farro and a poached egg or a soft chili scramble with avocado. If you are searching for something sweet, order Bluestone Lane’s Banana Bread. Made with HUSK Bakeshop’s gluten-free banana bread, it is topped with whipped ricotta, fresh berries, chopped pecans and honey.

Community Food & Juice

2893 Broadway (between 112th & 113th Streets)

Close to Columbia University, Community Food & Juice offers New American fare using locally-sourced, organic ingredients when possible. Their brunch menu is simple, but filling with choices that include brioche French toast, pancakes, omelets, and egg sandwiches. Burgers, salads, and rice bowls are among the savory dishes available. Be sure to save room for Community’s famous Butterscotch Pudding, which is topped with house-made peanut brittle.

Fred’s

476 Amsterdam Avenue

If your favorite brunch companion has four legs, you’ll want to head over to Fred’s on Amsterdam Avenue. This pup-friendly restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of tasty dishes to choose from. Starters include Mexican Street Corn, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and Fred’s Neighborhood Nachos. The Huevos Rancheros, Buttermilk Pancakes, and Cinnamon Raisin French Toast are crowd favorites. A wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, and pasta dishes are also available.

Friedman’s

35 West End Avenue

Friedman’s original location in Chelsea Market opened in 2009, and has since grown to nine locations throughout New York City. Popular dishes include Nova Benny – their take on Eggs Benedict, Pastrami Hash, and classic Buttermilk Pancakes. A selection of burgers and sandwiches are also on the menu.

Good Enough to Eat

520 Columbus Avenue

Don’t let the cheeky name fool you, Good Enough to Eat serves up some seriously delicious food and has the long lines to prove it. Their brunch menu carries an assortment of traditional breakfast items like pancakes, omelets, waffles, and French toast, as well as a variety of burgers and sandwiches. Finish your meal with something sweet from Good Enough To Eat’s robust dessert menu that includes pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, and more.

Jacob’s Pickles

509 Amsterdam Avenue

Located on the Upper West Side, Jacob’s Pickles enjoys a devoted following from locals, as well as out-of-towners. Featuring their homemade biscuits, buttermilk fried chicken, and pickled veggies their extensive brunch menu is both comforting and extravagant. Starters include poutine, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs. In addition to a selection of biscuit sandwiches made with either eggs or fried chicken, mains include pancakes, omelets, shrimp and bacon grits, and much more. Select a craft cocktail, microbrew, or whiskey from Jacob Pickle’s impressive drink menu to pair with your meal.

Sarabeth’s

423 Amsterdam Avenue

Sarabeth’s has been delighting guests with their delicious fare for 30 years. Start your meal with a basket of light and airy popovers – with house-made marmalade, of course – or a skillet cinnamon bun. Popular mains include lemon ricotta pancakes with blackberries and buttermilk waffles served with a berry compote. For something more substantial, order Sarabeth’s Quiche – made with onions, ham, potato, and gruyere, or the Smoked Salmon Benedict. Enjoy your meal with a Five Flower Mimosa, or a Classic Bellini.

Discover More of the City You Love

If you enjoyed this article, dive into one of our other great reads. Discover fascinating Upper West Side monuments and memorials to explore, and healthy eateries on the Upper West Side.

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