Photograph: Courtesy Paul Wagtouicz
Photograph: Courtesy Paul Wagtouicz

The best kid-friendly brunch spots in NYC that families will love

For a relaxing mid-morning meal with the whole family, head to a kid-friendly brunch in NYC

Written by: Allie Early
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For most of us, brunch is a celebratory late morning meal punctuated with mimosas and bloody marys, enhanced by the company of friends. But brunch isn’t just for adults — kids can enjoy this leisurely weekend tradition too. Fortunately there are plenty of options for a kid-friendly brunch in NYC where the vibe is relaxed and the little ones will be entertained. These brunch spots range from casual joints with classic diner fare to upscale brunch destinations that welcome families. The kids can dig into pancakes and waffles and you can sip your breakfast cocktail with an indulgent eggs benny. For more ways to enjoy a meal with the little ones, check out these family-friendly restaurants in NYC.

Kid-friendly brunch in NYC

  • American
  • Tribeca
  • price 2 of 4

On weekend mornings, a “We love kids!” attitude and a no-reservations policy add up to pleasant chaos. Families embrace the mayhem and flock to this eatery’s two NYC locations for the gourmet brunch spread, which includes eggs benedict , sourdough toast and more, crafted from scratch using Grandma-approved family recipes. The kids menu features comforting classics like matzo ball soup and mac and cheese.

  • Lenox Hill
  • price 3 of 4

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8am–3pm, banish winter chills with a brunch of hot beverage and traditional baked treats. Grab a Mixed Berry Crepe drizzled with homemade crème anglaise! To make this dining experience truly authentic for the kids, you can always try Alice's Mad Morning Tea, featuring tea and poached eggs. 

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  • Soul and southern American
  • West Village
  • price 2 of 4

The menu at this Southwestern spot features lots of reasonably-priced brunch dishes, including the Buttermilk Pancakes and Chuckwagon Beef Brisket. From the kids' menu, try the Texas Scramble (with eggs, potatoes and a biscuit) or the Pulled Pork Sammy with tangy pulled pork, french fries and carrot sticks. Brunch runs from 10am–4pm Saturdays and Sundays.

  • American
  • Upper East Side
  • price 1 of 4

With a fairly extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, and egg dishes nearly anyone can be satisfied with a brunch at this Upper East Side locale, but kids with a sweet tooth are really in luck. Barking Dog’s selection of waffles and pancakes with various fruits, berries, chocolate chips, and a la mode. During the warmer months expect your pups to want to sit outside on the sidewalk café portion—they’ll likely spot a few friendly canines waiting patiently for scraps. 

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  • Contemporary American
  • Union Square
  • price 2 of 4

Found inside the huge housewares complex ABC Carpet & Home, ABC Kitchen is a prime spot for farm-to-table treats decorated like a country farmhouse you wouldn’t expect to find in NYC’s concrete jungle. ABC Kitchen hosts brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm and kids can sample sweet treats like French toast with caramelized apples and seasonal glazed doughnuts or more savory options like spinach, goat cheese and herbs pizza and veggie burgers.

  • Contemporary American
  • Morningside Heights
  • price 2 of 4

A favorite for Upper West Siders and Morningside Heights residents, the delicious comfort foods here will make for happy tummies all around. Though certainly best for egg-lovers with a menu full of savory quiches and scrambled egg biscuit sandwiches, the potato pancakes, served with caramelized applesauce and sour cream make every weekend feel like a top-notch, homey chanukah celebration. 

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Tribeca
  • price 4 of 4
The Roxy Hotel Tribeca
The Roxy Hotel Tribeca

Brunch at the Soho Grand's younger sibling provides a relaxing midday meal for the entire brood, plus entertainment for adults and the peanut gallery. On Sundays, settle into a cozy booth or post up on a couch with a low table—comfortable seating keeps squirming to a minimum—then take turns at the buffet, overflowing with made-to-order Belgian waffles, baked ham, Waldorf salad and other savory sides, plus sweet treats like lemon verbena scones and Doughnut Plant doughnuts. 

  • American
  • Gramercy
  • price 1 of 4
Friend of a Farmer
Friend of a Farmer

The promise of a farm-fresh brunch at this comfortable East Village spot will make it easy to get the family out of bed. Get there early to beat the crowds and make sure to take a gander at the pastry case stocked with chocolate-peanut-butter pie, brown Betty, fruit tarts and more on your way to the dining room. The brunch menu keeps the farmer’s hens a-laying, offering all sorts of egg creations—omelettes, scrambles, benedict and florentine included—as well as sandwiches and salads. Kids will eat up griddled options like Carrie Dee's buttermilk apple pancakes, but try the grilled cheese or chicken fingers served with fresh apple cider from the "Young Farm."

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  • American
  • Midtown West
  • price 2 of 4
Sarabeth’s
Sarabeth’s

This appealing restaurant chain serves a homestyle breakfast with storybook menu items: Kids can try the Apple-Cinnamon French Toast or Toasted Coconut Waffle—while parents nosh on the Goldie Lox, a plate of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and cream cheese. Lunch and dinner are equally cozy—try the signature cream of tomato soup or chicken potpie.

  • Greek
  • Upper West Side

This authentic Greek restaurant serves up the tastiest dishes for you and the family—their menu boasts plenty of kid-friendly offerings, including Breakfast Souvlaki with eggs, Greek sausage and fried potato, Buttermilk Pancakes and the Country Cast-Iron Breakfast with three baked eggs, Greek pork sausage and roasted tomato for those truly insatiable tween appetites. 

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  • American
  • Carroll Gardens

The kids’ dishes at this standout Carroll Gardens bistro—including a mini version of their famous fried chicken (with a side, beverage and dessert)—are perfectly portioned for little appetites. Alternatively, load 'em up with a stack of Buttermilk Pancakes or share some Fried Pork Chop and Cheddar Waffles.

  • Soul and southern American
  • Williamsburg
  • price 2 of 4

This soul food staple with locations in Williamsburg and the Lower East Side is like KFC takeout for hip city kids. Starting at 11am, try the Blueberry Pancakes or Sweet Chick Waffle loaded with fresh berries and ricotta. Families might also tackle the famed Chicken and Waffles for a classic Belgian waffle and two delicious pieces of fried chicken.

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  • Contemporary American
  • South Brooklyn
Sidecar
Sidecar

The “French Redneck” eats at this Park Slope spot that puts a Southern spin on classic plates. Kids will get on board for brunch specials like French toast or chicken and waffles and lunch items like a simple cheeseburger served with their self-described “best homemade French fries in Brooklyn.” 

  • American
  • Lenox Hill
  • price 2 of 4
Serendipity 3
Serendipity 3

Kids of all ages are sure to love this whimsical eatery as much as tourists do. The signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is decadent enough for any sweet tooth, but the massive menu spans omelets, sandwiches, pastas and sundaes. Even if one kid’s in the mood for eggs and another one wants a burger, there’s something to please everyone. A note: tables at Serendipity can be tough to come by, and they are often booked months in advance, especially around major holidays. If you’re walking in, prepare for a wait of up to an hour.

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