20+ Best New Year’s Day Brunch Spots in NYC (2026)
So, you survived the countdown. You probably had a great best NYE dinner NYC or were at a wild party, and now you’re wondering what to do on New Year’s Day in New York City. The only answer is brunch. And let’s be clear, what time is brunch in NYC? On January 1st, it starts whenever you wake up, which is probably 1 PM. Finding the best New Year’s Day brunch spots in NYC 2026 is the only resolution that matters, so let’s find you some eggs and a hair-of-the-dog.
Just a heads-up: Jan 1 is a weird day for hours, and reservations are basically non-negotiable for any spot that takes them. Always check the restaurant’s official page or Resy for their holiday hours before you roll out of bed.
The 21 Best New Year’s Day Brunch Spots in NYC 2026
Balthazar
Gotta start with a classic. If you want to feel like you’re in a movie, this is it. It’s a true upscale brunch NYC experience, and a top answer for where do celebrities go for brunch in NYC. Getting a table is tough, but starting the year with their seafood tower is a power move.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: French
- Location: 80 Spring St, New York
- Contact: https://balthazarny.com
- Pro Tip: Reservations drop 30 days out at 10 AM. Set an alarm.
Sadelle’s
Another spot where you’re likely to see a celeb. This is the place for a bagel tower. It’s an upscale brunch NYC experience that’s all about the smoked salmon, sticky buns, and very fancy vibes.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Jewish Deli / American
- Location: 426 W Broadway, New York
- Contact: https://www.sadelles.com | +1 212-254-3000 | reservations@carbonenewyork.com
- Pro Tip: If you can’t get a reservation, the “to-go” counter is an elite move.
Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant
Home of the most famous pancakes in NYC. People line up for hours for these, and for good reason. That blueberry-maple butter is the only thing you need to cure a hangover.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 4 Clinton St, New York
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/clintonstbakingco
- Pro Tip: They don’t take brunch reservations. Show up, put your name in, and go for a long walk.
Jack’s Wife Freda
You’ve seen this all over instagram. It’s a reliable, bright, and busy spot with multiple locations. The green shakshuka or the Madame Freda (a chicken sandwich) will bring you back to life.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
- Location: 224 Lafayette St, New York (and other locations)
- Contact: https://jackswifefreda.com
- Pro Tip: The Soho location is the most hectic. Try the West Village or Chelsea spots for a slightly chiller vibe.
Tavern on the Green
What to do on New Year’s day in New York City? A walk in Central Park followed by brunch here is the most wholesome answer. It’s a classic, and while a bit touristy, it’s undeniably magical, especially if it’s decorated for the holidays.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: Central Park West & 67th St, New York
- Contact: https://www.tavernonthegreen.com
- Pro Tip: Ask for a seat in the Crystal Room. The view of the park is unbeatable.
Poco
If your goal is to keep the party going, this East Village spot is a legendary bottomless brunch NYC option. It’s loud, it’s fun, and they are very generous with the mimosas, bloody marys, and sangria.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Spanish / American
- Location: 33 Avenue B, New York
- Contact: https://www.poconyc.com | 646-498-4847 | sara@poconyc.com
- Pro Tip: This is a party. Do not come here for a quiet, reflective meal.
Essex
Another LES institution for bottomless brunch NYC. It’s a massive space that turns into a full-on party. The food is solid, but you’re here for the 90-minute open bar.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 124 Rivington St, New York
- Contact: https://www.essexnyc.com
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation. The line for walk-ins on a normal weekend is bad; on Jan 1, it’s a nightmare.
Follia
For a slightly more “grown-up” bottomless brunch NYC, this Gramercy spot is perfect. It’s a cozy Italian restaurant with great wood-fired pizzas and pastas, and the bottomless deal is a great value.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 179 3rd Ave, New York
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/follianyc
- Pro Tip: The 90-minute time limit is strictly enforced, so be on time.
Sunday in Brooklyn
This is a top contender for the best brunch in Brooklyn, period. It’s three floors of pure Williamsburg vibes, and their “Sunday pancakes” with hazelnut maple praline are legendary.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.sundayinbrooklyn.com | +1 347-222-6722
- Pro Tip: This is one of the hardest reservations to get in the city. Book it 30 days out.
Kokomo
If you’re looking for one of the best Black brunch spots Brooklyn that’s also a full-on vibe, this is it. This spot is a straight-up party, serving incredible Caribbean-inspired food. This is the definition of brunch in Brooklyn with music.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Location: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.kokomonyc.com | +1 347-799-1312 | Info@kokomonyc.com
- Pro Tip: The dress code is “look your best.” People show up for this one.
Aunts et Uncles
This vegan Caribbean café in Flatbush is one of the coolest brunch spots in Brooklyn right now. The vibe is chill but stylish, with plant-based takes on classics like crab cake sandwiches and chicken waffles that actually slap. Even meat lovers end up obsessed.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Caribbean / Vegan
- Location: 1407 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.auntsetuncles.com | +1 347-295-0019 | hey@auntsetuncles.com
- Pro Tip: Their ginger beer lemonade is elite — grab one to go for your post-brunch walk.
Peaches HotHouse
Nothing says “happy new year” like scorching your taste buds with Nashville hot chicken. This Bed-Stuy spot is a local legend and one of the best casual Black brunch spots in Brooklyn.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Southern / Nashville Hot Chicken
- Location: 415 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.bcrestaurantgroup.com
- Pro Tip: Be honest with yourself about your spice tolerance. “Hot” here means hot.
Brown Butter Craft Bar & Kitchen
A newer bed-stuy spot that’s getting a ton of love. It’s a cozy, neighborhood vibe with seriously good, elevated comfort food. A great pick if you want a more low-key, food-focused brunch.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 413 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/brownbutternyc
- Pro Tip: The shrimp and grits are fantastic, and their cocktails are top-notch.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs
When you just need to be healed by grease, this is the spot. This Williamsburg joint serves some of the best fried chicken and biscuits in the city. It’s no-frills, counter-service, and absolutely delicious.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Southern
- Location: 166 S 4th St, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.piesnthighs.com | +1 347-529-6090 | contact@piesnthighs.com
- Pro Tip: It’s tiny and the line is real. Put your name in and go grab a coffee.
Five Leaves
The original “cool” Brooklyn brunch. This Greenpoint corner spot has a perfect bistro feel, and its ricotta pancakes and truffle fries are iconic. It’s one of the best brunch experiences in Brooklyn.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American / Australian
- Location: 18 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://fiveleavesny.com | +1 718-383-5345 | info@fiveleavesny.com
- Pro Tip: They save a lot of tables for walk-ins, but the wait can be 1-2 hours.
Cafe Mogador
A true Williamsburg institution. This Moroccan spot is the coziest brunch you can have. The Moroccan Eggs, the mint tea… it’s all perfect, comforting, and exactly what a cold Jan 1 calls for.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Location: 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.cafemogador.com | +1 212-677-2226 | cafemogador101@gmail.com
- Pro Tip: Their garden is enclosed and heated in the winter, and it’s the best seat in the house.
Juliette
Want a bottomless brunch Brooklyn option that’s also gorgeous? Juliette is your spot. This plant-filled, rustic French bistro in Williamsburg is beautiful and has a solid bottomless deal.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: French
- Location: 135 N 5th St, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://juliettebk.com | +1 718-388-9222 | juliettebk@gmail.com
- Pro Tip: The rooftop is partially enclosed, making it a viable option even in the winter.
Morgan’s Brooklyn BBQ
BBQ for brunch? On New Year’s Day? Absolutely. This Prospect Heights spot has a great bottomless brunch Brooklyn deal, and nothing soaks up last night’s party like a brisket biscuit and a mimosa.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Location: 267 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.morgansbrooklynbarbecue.com | +1 718-622-2224 | info@mbbbq.com
- Pro Tip: The Frito Pie is ridiculous and a must-try.
Jacob’s Pickles
Back in Manhattan on the UWS, this is the king of comfort food. We’re talking massive biscuit sandwiches, fried chicken, and, of course, pickles. The portions are insane. It’s the perfect recovery meal.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Southern
- Location: 509 Amsterdam Ave, New York
- Contact: https://www.jacobspickles.com | +1 212-470-5566 | 5566info@jacobspickles.com
- Pro Tip: The line here is legendary. Go right when they open or be prepared for a 2-hour wait.
The Smith
It’s a “basic” choice, but it’s basic for a reason. It’s loud, it’s fun, it’s everywhere, and it’s reliable. The raw bar, the steak and eggs… it’s a solid, crowd-pleasing choice.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 1150 Broadway, New York (and other locations)
- Contact: https://thesmithrestaurant.com | +1 212-420-9800
- Pro Tip: The photo booth in the basement of the East Village location is a must-do.
New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise
If you really want to do something different, take your brunch to the water. Companies like TopView and Classic Harbor Line offer special New Year’s Day brunch cruises. It’s brunch with a side of the Statue of Liberty.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: Various Piers
- Contact: https://topviewtix.com (or similar cruise lines)
- Pro Tip: This is a great move for visitors, as it combines a great meal with sightseeing.
Need a Fancier Spot for a Drink?
Maybe you’re not ready to stop the celebration, or maybe you’re just looking to keep the upscale vibe going into the evening. If you need a truly top-tier cocktail, you should definitely check out our guide to the 15+ Best Hotel Cocktail Bars In NYC For A Fancy Night Out. It’s the perfect list for finding a classy drink in a gorgeous room.
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