-
$$$ | Greenpoint |
Co-owned by Homer Murray (actor Bill Murray's son), this restaurant gained notoriety when it relaunched with a legendary event featuring the older Murray tending bar. But it's worth a visit, with or without Bill, for chef Sean Telo's creative menus that aim to make tasty dishes while sourcing sustainably and reducing food waste; from tempura-coated shishito peppers to wood-fired pizzas, it's always fun to see what he'll come up with. The urban-rustic design (white subway tiles, wooden tables, hanging plants) is equally welcoming for weekend brunch or a romantic dinner by candlelight.
21 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
Known For
- Owned by Bill Murray's son
- Creative menu
- Dedication to sustainability
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
-
$$$ | Flatiron District |
Much more than a shopping break, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant is a love letter to greenmarket cuisine. Underneath the exposed concrete beams, a chic crowd devours fresh, flavorful appetizers like the roast carrot and avocado salad or pretzel-dusted calamari, and winning entrées that include pizzas, pastas, and hearty mains. The restaurant is committed to all the right causes—environmentalism, sustainability, supporting local farmers—all of which are announced in a near manifesto-length list on the back of the menu; thankfully, ABC Kitchen pulls it off without seeming patronizing or preachy.
35 E. 18th St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
Known For
- Vegetable-forward dishes
- Organic ingredients
- Sophisticated setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
$$ | Upper West Side |
Since 1908, this local landmark has been known for brusque waiters serving stellar platters of smoked salmon, sturgeon, whitefish, and pickled herring to a happy crowd packed to the gills at small Formica tables. Split a fish platter with bagels, cream cheese, and other fixings, or get your velvety nova scrambled with eggs and buttery caramelized onions. If still hungry, go for a plate of cheese blintzes or the to-die-for chopped liver. Be warned that the weekend brunch wait can exceed an hour, so you may want to get food to go or come during the week.
541 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York, 10024-2803, USA
Known For
- All kinds of smoked fish and chopped liver
- Cheese blintzes
- Classic New York deli charm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
-
$$ | Lower East Side |
At this casual retro-diner restaurant, weekend brunch brings a line down the street for what many believe to be the best blueberry pancakes in the city, if not the whole country. Lunch and dinner options include a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads—and you can get those pancakes at dinner, too, without as long a wait.
4 Clinton St., New York, New York, 10002, USA
Known For
- February specialty pancake month
- Excellent, and busy, brunch
- Diner-type menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.–Tues.
-
$$ | Williamsburg |
The word "diner" might evoke a greasy spoon, but this trendsetting restaurant under the Williamsburg Bridge is nothing of the sort. Andrew Tarlow—the godfather of Brooklyn's farm-to-table culinary renaissance—opened it in 1999 and launched an entire movement. The restaurant occupies a 1927 dining car, and foodies cram into the booths to partake in eclectic dishes from the regularly changing menu, based on seasonal ingredients from farms in the Greater New York area. They're also known for their grass-fed burger, available year-round.
85 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
Known For
- Rotating, eclectic menu
- Farm-to-table fare
- Intimate space in a vintage dining car
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
-
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
-
$$$$ | Union Square |
Every bit as thrilling as when it opened in 1984, this culinary landmark continues to focus on a foundation of simple, clean flavors to create transcendent preparations: no rack of lamb is more tender, no seafood salad sweeter, and desserts are also memorable. Take a stroll through the Union Square Greenmarket before or after lunch to see the chef's inspirations.
12 E. 12th St., New York, New York, 10003-4428, USA
Known For
- Invented the concept of "architectural cuisine"
- Classy space with high ceilings
- Pricey, special-occasion restaurant
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.
-
$$$$ | Gramercy |
Danny Meyer's perennially popular restaurant tops many a New Yorker's list of favorite dining spots, as much for the exemplary food as for the clubby, art-filled space. In front, the first-come-first-served tavern has an à la carte menu (the burger is a standout) along with great craft beers and cocktails; the more formal dining room in back serves a show-stopping five-course tasting menu.
42 E. 20th St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
Known For
- Impeccable service
- Standout seasonal fare
- Good-value prix-fixe lunch in the tavern
Restaurant Details
No lunch in dining room
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
$ | Harlem |
This family-friendly burger joint on the bustling, brownstone-lined corner of 124th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard has a retro malt-shop interior adorned with headshots of Black entertainers and vintage Jet magazine covers. The eatery's name is a clever take on the world-famous Harlem Shake dance made popular by Harlem resident Al B, and also gives a nod to its rich organic milkshakes—such as the decadent Red Velvet, locally made with real cake and Blue Marble ice cream. Creative burgers include the award-winning Hot Mess, which is topped with pickled cherry pepper and bacon relish, American cheese, and smoky chipotle mayo. Tasty nonbeef alternatives, like the house-made veggie burger, the Hot Honey Chick sandwich (dark meat fried chicken drizzled with Mike's Hot Honey), or the simple, yet satisfying cheese fries are staples of the reasonably priced menu. There's happy hour on beer and wine during the weekdays 4--8 pm or go booze-free with a myriad of old-fashioned soda options, like the cherry-flavored Cheerwine or Earp's Sarsaparilla. Find even more seating out on the covered patio and during the summer months expect live jazz on Sunday, adding to the energetic vibe.
100 W. 124th St., New York, New York, 10027, USA
Known For
- Tasty fries including jerk or chili-cheese
- Organic milk shakes and yummy burgers
- Annual Miss and Mr. Harlem Shake contest
-
$$ | Upper East Side |
Roughly the size of a studio apartment, this homey bar and restaurant is the epitome of a neighborhood spot; just keep in mind that reservations aren't accepted. The short menu of comfort foods—hamburgers, a pasta, macaroni and cheese—changes frequently, but the lobster macaroni and cheese never fails to impress. With only one table for four people, Heidi's House is better suited to smaller parties. Reservations aren't accepted for this often-crowded spot, but it does have a charming little bar next door where you can have a drink while you wait for a table and a same-day call-ahead list starting after 5 pm.
308 E. 78th St., New York, New York, 10075, USA
Known For
- Skillet mac and cheese
- Wait for a table at Ed's Elbow Room bar next door
- Nice selection of beer, wine, and cider
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
-
$$ | Upper East Side |
The self-described “saloon with food” has been serving hearty drinks, hefty burgers, thick sandwiches, and its famous cottage fries to a local crowd since 1972. Its decor is warm and woody, the tablecloths are checkered and the tables are packed close together (so it’s noisy when crowded), and there’s an everybody-knows-your-name vibe. Save room for dessert, because the chocolate chip cake and pecan pie are worth the calories. This place also is known for its late hours—the kitchen is open until after midnight daily.
1291 3rd Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
Known For
- Classic burgers
- Late hours
- Cash only
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
-
-
$$ | |
The eponymous small grocery that used to occupy this space has been completely transformed into an intimate restaurant serving inventive fare for brunch (during the week as well as weekends), lunch, and dinner. The daily-changing menu might include anything from breakfast gnocchi to a shrimp po'boy to steak with chimichurri, and snacks like simply prepared seasonal vegetables, homemade charcuterie, or chicken liver pâté. The marble bar in the front room is a convivial spot for drinking or dining, and there are a few tables inside and out.
231 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
Known For
- Weekday brunch
- Market-fresh menu
- Late-night happy hour
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Tues.
-
$$ | |
The changing menu at this romantic, dimly lit restaurant is short but always stellar. The chef has an expert hand, whether exploring unexpected flavor combinations like candied bacon alongside shaved fennel and watermelon or putting together classics like chicken under a brick or the rave-worthy cheeseburger with duck-fat fries. The Sunday Supper (for $35) is a favorite: it's a set, multicourse menu featuring anything from fried chicken and hush puppies to sausage- and shrimp-studded gumbo.
687 6th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
Known For
- Romantic atmosphere
- Sunday supper
- Great burger
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
-
$$ | Williamsburg |
With its green-and-white-striped awning, this place looks like a vintage grocery store, but don't let that fool you. This a buzzy bistro from restaurateur Andrew Tarlow is a destination for in-the-know foodies, featuring locavore cuisine on two different menus. The grab-and-go daytime menu includes pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and salads, while the sit-down night menu features creative plates celebrating the bounties of local fishermen and farmers.
81 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York, 11249, USA
Known For
- Pioneering restaurateur
- Inspired locavore fare
- Vintage grocery store–inspired design
-
$$$ | Red Hook |
For a taste of Maine in Brooklyn, head to the Red Hook Lobster Pound, where legendary lobster rolls are served with just a touch of mayo. There are variations on the classic, including "Connecticut style" (served warm, with butter) or "Tuscan style " (vinaigrette instead of mayo), as well as lobster dinners, lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese, and a few noncrustacean options.
284 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, New York, 11231, USA
Known For
- Lobster everything
- Lobster claw Bloody Mary
- Casual, fun atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
-
$$$ | Harlem |
Marcus Samuelsson, who earned his celebrity chefdom at Aquavit in Midtown for his take on Ethiopian-accented Scandinavian cuisine (fusing the food of his birthplace with that of where he grew up), moved to Harlem in 2010, creating a culinary hot spot in this casual, jazzy-looking space with wall murals, wooden tables, and bistro chairs. The comfort-food menu reflects the ethnic diversity of modern-day New York City, from spicy jerk salmon to the shrimp and grits with tomato-okra stew. It’s very crowded during weekend brunch hours, so expect a wait for Sunday brunch, with its gospel music, boozy cocktails, and modern takes on dishes like chicken and waffles.
310 Lenox Ave. (Malcolm X Blvd.), New York, New York, 10027, USA
Known For
- Lines for Sunday brunch with gospel music
- Chicken (with maple hot sauce) and waffles
- Lively scene
-
-
$$ | DUMBO |
Friendly service and convivial, colorful crowds have transformed this bi-level, renovated warehouse into a welcoming, quirky neighborhood institution with rotating art shows and frequent DJ sets. The kitchen's organic menu changes daily, plus there's a weekend brunch with live Americana music.
126 Front St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
Known For
- Daily changing menu
- Great cocktails
- Quirky local vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
-
$$$ | Gramercy |
Noted restaurateur Danny Meyer's unpretentious but classy American restaurant has been serving impressively well-executed food to much acclaim since it first opened on Union Square in 1985, and the tradition continues in this elegantly clubby spot a few blocks north of the original location. It's almost impossible to go wrong anywhere on the menu; this place is truly the real deal, with standout steak, fish, and pasta dishes, as well as excellent desserts.
101 E. 19th St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
Known For
- Hard to get a reservation
- Impressive wine list
- Excellent, attentive service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
$$$ | West Village |
Set on the corner of Bleecker and Carmine Streets across from Father Demo Square, this American restaurant is as simple as its name. Try to nab a seat at the bar/chef's counter to get a front-row seat of the large hearth where chefs put fire to a vegetable-forward menu, plus one of the best roast chickens in the city. The wood-fired whole fish, doused with green curry, is also excellent, as is pretty much anything that comes from the hearth. The short but nicely curated wine list complements the food menu well.
232 Bleecker St., New York, New York, 10014, USA
Known For
- Chefs table
- Open view hearth
- Excellent roast anything
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No Lunch
-
$$ | Bushwick |
This popular spot on Flushing Avenue, near some of East Williamsburg’s most-frequented shops and restaurants, is best known for lunch and brunch comfort food, and also stays open for dinner. Sandwiches are the big thing—the Philly cheesesteak, marinated artichoke, and crispy buffalo chicken are among the standouts—though there's a bit of everything on the menu, and breakfast is served all day. Local artwork hangs on the walls.
983 Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11206, USA
Known For
- Dining until midnight or later most nights
- All-day breakfast and American pub grub
- Works by local artists on walls
-
$$ | |
An alum of Manhattan's much-lauded Spotted Pig gastropub opened this popular spot, where closely packed tables, medieval-looking chandeliers, and a patchwork of patterned wallpaper are a rustic backdrop for elevated pub fare. At dinner the roast chicken is a standout; at brunch it's hard to choose between fluffy pancakes and eggs Benedict.
124 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
Known For
- Gastropub fare
- Old-time decor
- No reservations
