Ah, brunch - there are few things in this world greater than that lazy weekend feast that bridges breakfast and lunch, fueled by a Bloody Mary or three. It’s more than just a fusion of meals – it’s the decadence of slowly savoring your Canadian bacon and eggs with the sweet bubbles of champagne in the early afternoon … the grey zone in a 'black-and-white' meals world.
That said, we here at NearSay have made it our mission to ensure you enjoy brunch par excellence this weekend, and to that end we’ve thoroughly researched the best brunch spots in your own ‘hood. First honorable mention goes to Five Points, highlighted by the New York Post (who raves about their side-by-side banquettes, churros with hot chocolate and French toast) and New York Magazine (who gave the place a ‘Critic’s Pick’). Word of warning though – your churros and toast come pricey: Chowhound declares ‘the total bill [for two] with tax and tip cost $60 – and we didn’t even have the Bloody Marys.’
Another recurring 'top brunch spot' across the board is Great Jones Café, mentioned by Urban Spoon, NY Mag, Plate of the Day and Chowhound – all of whom were impressed by their great selection of booze and tasty food (‘fantastic’ hash browns, we’re told). New York Times’ picks Back Forty, whose brunch menu includes a burger made from grass-fed beef, and Counter, who offers multigrain pancakes for only $10.
But the best brunch spot in the East Village, you wonder? The only spot raved about by practically every blog and publication we’ve scoured is Prune, on East First Street. Prune checks all the right boxes: a ‘definitive’ Bloody Mary list (NY Times), ‘leisurely service’ (NYMag), ‘food that is delicious, delicious, delicious’ (NYC Menu Girl) and simply ‘the best brunch in the city’ (Black Book Magazine). No doubt about it - Prune gets a standing ovation from the community and wins EV's 'Best Brunch Spot' hands down. Try their oysters and sausage, and eggs en cocotte.
The Best Brunch Spots in the East Village and Lower East Side
Five Points is located at 31 Great Jones Street, and Bowery.
Great Jones Cafe is located at 54 Great Jones Street, and Bowery.
Back Forty is located at 190 Avenue B (between 11th and 12th Streets).
Counter is located at 105 First Avenue, and Sixth Street.
Prune is located at 54 East First Street (between First and Second Avenues).
