New York City isn’t short on brunch spots, but let’s be real—some of the most hyped places come with a side of two-hour wait times and overpriced avocado toast. If you’re tired of the usual spots and want to explore some true hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. Here are five underrated brunch spots in NYC that deserve a spot on your weekend lineup.
1. Sunday in Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
If you love a good brunch but hate the overcrowded hotspots, Sunday in Brooklyn is the perfect balance of popular yet still underrated. Tucked away in Williamsburg, this cozy spot serves up legendary malted pancakes that come drenched in hazelnut maple praline. If sweet isn’t your thing, their egg sandwich with gochujang mayo is an absolute game-changer.
What to Order: Malted pancakes, egg sandwich, maple latte.
Vibe Check: Warm, rustic, and perfect for a casual yet Instagram-worthy brunch.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s well-loved by locals but hasn’t blown up to the point where you need to plan your entire day around getting a table.
2. Little Owl (West Village)
Hidden on a charming West Village corner, Little Owl is a neighborhood staple that somehow stays under the radar despite its killer food. Their gravy meatball sliders are famous, but brunch steals the show with dishes like the ricotta pancakes and poached eggs over crispy potatoes.
What to Order: Ricotta pancakes, poached eggs with crispy potatoes, meatball sliders.
Vibe Check: Cozy, intimate, and tucked away on a picturesque street.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s a small space with big flavors, yet it doesn’t get the same tourist crowds as some of its West Village neighbors.
3. Atla (NoHo)
Brunch with a Mexican twist? Yes, please. Atla in NoHo offers a modern, refreshing take on brunch with dishes like chilaquiles verdes, corn pancakes, and soft scrambled eggs with black truffle. Their light, airy space and killer cocktails make it a perfect spot to brunch without feeling like you need a post-meal nap.
What to Order: Chilaquiles verdes, corn pancakes, spiked horchata.
Vibe Check: Bright, minimalist, and effortlessly cool.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: While people flock to its sister restaurant Cosme, Atla stays relatively low-key, offering the same high-quality flavors without the impossible reservation.
4. Maison Pickle (Upper West Side)
If you love indulgent brunches, Maison Pickle is the perfect spot. This Upper West Side gem is best known for its massive French toast—so big it could rival the ambitions of the top 5 entrepreneurs. Their thick-cut challah French toast comes loaded with delicious toppings like caramelized bananas and honey butter, making it a must-try. If you’re in the mood for something savory, their duck confit hash is absolutely unreal.
What to Order: Challah French toast, duck confit hash, house-made pickles (yes, really).
Vibe Check: Classic diner meets upscale comfort food.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Despite its Insta-worthy plates, it somehow hasn’t hit peak brunch madness—yet.
5. Café Luluc (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn)
Brooklyn has no shortage of cool brunch spots, but Café Luluc might be one of the best-kept secrets. Their crispy-edges pancakes have a cult following, and the French bistro-style vibes make you feel like you’ve been transported to Paris for the morning.
What to Order: Pancakes, eggs Florentine, cappuccino.
Vibe Check: French café meets laid-back Brooklyn charm.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s cozy, unpretentious, and doesn’t require a week-in-advance reservation like some of Brooklyn’s trendier spots.
Bonus Pick: Jack’s Wife Freda (SoHo & West Village)
Okay, okay—it’s not exactly a secret, but it still deserves a mention. If you haven’t had their rosewater waffles or green shakshuka, you’re seriously missing out. Plus, their SoHo location is a great spot for people-watching while sipping a Madame Freda cocktail.
What to Order: Rosewater waffles, green shakshuka, Madame Freda cocktail.
Vibe Check: Chic, bustling, and perfect for a brunch date.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: While it’s no stranger to foodies, it somehow still flies under the radar compared to NYC’s overhyped brunch giants.
Final Thoughts
NYC’s brunch scene is packed, but if you’re willing to skip the usual spots and explore, you’ll find some seriously underrated gems. Whether you’re craving pancakes, chilaquiles, or an epic egg sandwich, these five (plus one bonus) spots should be on your radar.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak brunch hours (11 AM – 1 PM) to beat the crowds and actually enjoy your meal.
Now, go forth and brunch like a pro—without waiting in line for half your day.
