Updated 12.30.21
West Village in New York City is a neighborhood full of boutiques and trendy restaurants. The cobblestoned streets are tree lined and filled with beautiful townhouses and local eateries. So with out wasting any more time, I have rounded up my favorite West Village brunch spots after living in this area for a while.
Tartine
First off, this gem is BYOB! So yes, bring a bottle of champagne (they have OJ so you can make mimosas), wine, cocktail, whatever you want to drink and they will provide the glassed. Also, FYI – cash only, they have an ATM on site. You must wait in line to get seated no real reservation system.
What to get: Burrata app (if in season), Croque Madame, Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, or Apple pancakes – more info here.
Cafe Cluny
One of my all time favorite brunches thanks to their amazing burger! This is a perfect spot to bring a date, a friend, or the family. They have plenty of seating but there still tends to be a wait at peak time.
What to get: Odeon Burger, Avocado toast, Eggs Benedict – more info here.
Buvette
This little French bistro gets packed quick. With locations in NY, Paris and Tokyo, they have a large following. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, portions are small. Not many gluten free options. Line gets very long at peak time as there is no reservation system, so plan to wait.
What to get: Jambon Cru, Waffle Sandwich, Any of the specials.
Jacks Wife Freda
New York Magazine said it best: “If you were going to give the cuisine a long and unwieldy name, it might be South African Israeli Jewish Grandmother Cuisine.” Therefore, the dishes are inspired by favorite childhood dishes the couple; Jack and Freda.
What to get: Rosewater Waffle, Jacks burger, Peri Peri Wings, Poached Eggs with Haloumi, all cocktails are delish – more info here.
Joseph Leonard
Opening in 2009 Joseph Leonard was created to serve as a gathering place for neighbors and visitors alike. It is part of the “Happy Cooking” restaurant chain which has other great spots for brunch: Jeffreys Grocery and Fairfax. All that to say, grab a reservation for this spot since its pretty tiny!
What to get: Saucisson A L’ail or the Burger, for cocktails the mimosa and French 75 are super yummy – for more info.
Little Owl
Situated in the iconic “Friends” building Little Owl serves a twist on classic dishes with local ingredients. They have a nice outdoor set up with plenty of seating compared to the normal indoor set up.
What to get: The Beignets, crispy Cornish hen, poached eggs, steak and eggs – more info here.
Hudson Clearwater
An American restaurant in the heart of West Village with delicious food and cocktails. They even have a little outdoor garden that’s perfect for a date or girls day. Located on Hudson Street you can stroll and shop after or walk by the water only a block away.
What to get: Any of the egg dishes, including the egg sandwich, gnocchi, corn flakes fresh toast and GF pancakes – for more info.
Grey Dog
A perfect place to brunch if you are in a rush or looking to stay awhile and get some work down (free wifi). Their mission is to create a place where people want to be. Also if in season try the frose, it is amazing!
What to get: Grey dog breakfast, the egg croissant, roasted chicken and avocado salad (GF), or anything under the share menu – nachos (GF), Brussels, peppers, etc. – for more info.
Bobo
Set in a cozy townhouse, the French fare here is delish. Their menu changes seasonally, but you can’t go wrong with any of the specials. They also have decent drink prices for NYC.
Baker and Co
An Italian spot in the heart of Bleecker street that has a hidden back patio and warm cozy vibe, is a hidden brunch gem.
What to get: Eggs benedict with prosciutto or any of the pasta dishes (they can make gf), they have wines on draft and all their cocktails are very affordable compared to some of the others in the neighborhood – for more info.
Butcher’s Daughter
One of the best clean eat spots for brunch in the City. They also have picnic baskets you can order if you want to take brunch to go and eat by the water or in the park. The indoors of this brunch spot is super instagrammable as well as their food, in other words many influencers tend to eat here.
What to get: Egg sandwich on GF toast, Acai bowl, pancakes (GF), any of the juices, smoothies – I like the Brazillian blast, or wellness drinks – for more info.
Waverly Inn
Get a table in the garden, or eat in the renovated townhouse from the mid 1800’s. Found on the corner of bank street lined with trees and string lights this place is just the cutest. Also good for groups which is rare in WV.
What to Order: The menu changes constantly but a crowd favorite are the scones, eggs benny, lobster grilled cheese if in season, and the fresh juices!
Boucherie
An upscale French brasserie and steakhouse housed in the prominent Circle Repertory Theater, which creates a spacious dining room and outdoor cafe.
What to get – Eggs Benedict, any of the steak dishes, omelette, granola dish – for more info.
In summary, you cannot go wrong with any of these choices. First check to see if they take reservations, Second depending on party size that will play a factor in where you go, and lastly what type of food you are in the mood for!
Wanting to check out dinner options as well? Check out my post on West Village Dinner Eats.
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