The Absolute Best Brunch in East Harlem [Updated 2024]

I've had my fair share of pancakes, mimosas, and bottomless brunches in this neighborhood. And after trying out twelve different spots, I can confidently say that I've found the best brunch in East Harlem.

So, whether you're a local looking for a new spot or just passing through the area, trust me when I say that this list has got you covered. From savory dishes to sweet treats and everything in between, get ready to discover your new favorite brunch spot in East Harlem.

Alison

Highlights
Rustic decor
Extensive menu
Brunch options
Coffee options
French omelet
Crispy sushi rice

Walking into Alison, I was immediately struck by its charming and rustic decor. The warm atmosphere made me feel right at home, which is always a plus when I'm looking for a brunch spot.

The menu at Alison is extensive, with plenty of brunch options to choose from. After much deliberation, I ordered the French omelet with a side of crispy sushi rice. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The omelet was cooked to perfection and the sushi rice had a delightful crunch to it.

To wash down my meal, I indulged in one of their many coffee options. As someone who takes their coffee seriously, I was impressed by the quality and care put into each cup.

Overall, Alison is definitely a top contender for the best brunch in East Harlem. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious food options, this spot has quickly become one of my favorites. So if you're in the area and looking for a great brunch spot, make sure to give Alison a try!

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Plue

Highlights
Thai fusion
Amazing food
Lovely service
Small and quaint
Delicious Pad Thai

First of all, let me say that Plue is a small and quaint restaurant with lovely service. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. But let's get to the important part - the food!

Plue offers a unique twist on brunch with their Thai fusion cuisine. And let me tell you, the food is absolutely amazing! I had the Pad Thai, which was bursting with flavor and had just the right amount of spice. It was so delicious that I may have licked the plate clean (don't judge).

The service at Plue is also worth mentioning. The staff were attentive and accommodating, making sure we had everything we needed for an enjoyable meal.

Overall, if you're looking for something different from your typical brunch spot, Plue is definitely worth checking out. Their Thai fusion menu offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual pancakes and eggs benedict. Plus, their amazing food will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!

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The Lexington Social

Highlights
Great food
Positive happy hour experience
Delicious margaritas
Quiet Sunday vibe

First things first, let's talk about the food. The menu offered a range of options from sweet to savory dishes. I ordered the blueberry pancakes and they were simply divine! The pancakes were fluffy and the blueberries added a pop of sweetness that balanced perfectly with the tangy syrup. Not only was the food great, but I also had a positive happy hour experience with my friends. The servers were friendly and attentive which made our brunch even better.

I must say, the margaritas at The Lexington Social are not to be missed. They were simply incredible - delicious, refreshing and packed a punch! It was like drinking sunshine in a glass.

One thing that stood out about my visit to The Lexington Social was their quiet Sunday vibe. It was so relaxing to sit down and enjoy brunch without having to shout over loud music or other patrons. It felt like I had escaped the hustle and bustle of New York City for a moment.

Overall, my experience at The Lexington Social was delightful. From the great food to the delicious margaritas, it's definitely worth checking out for your next brunch spot in East Harlem.

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Amuse Bouche Bistro

Highlights
Authentic French
Fresh pastries
Delicious flavors
Amazing coffee

First of all, let me just say that this place is très authentique. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt like I was transported to a quaint French bistro. The decor was charming and the atmosphere was cozy yet sophisticated.

Now let's talk about the food. The pastries were magnifique! They were clearly made fresh and had that perfect flaky texture. And don't even get me started on the flavors. Each bite was bursting with deliciousness.

But the real star of the show was the brunch menu. From classic French dishes like Croque Madame to American favorites like pancakes, there was something for everyone. And everything we tried tasted amazing.

To wash it all down, we ordered some coffee which turned out to be some of the best I've had in East Harlem. It was rich and smooth with just the right amount of boldness.

Overall, Amuse Bouche Bistro exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a top-notch brunch spot in East Harlem. Just make sure you come hungry because you won't want to miss out on any of their delectable offerings!

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Maxwell's Central Park

Highlights
Outdoor seating
Cajun shrimp and salmon salad
Great drinks
Good fries

Firstly, let me start by saying that the outdoor seating at Maxwell's Central Park is a game changer. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the warm weather and people watch while sipping on one of their great drinks. Speaking of which, I highly recommend trying their signature mimosa or bloody mary. Trust me, they won't disappoint.

Now let's talk about the food. The cajun shrimp and salmon salad was a standout dish for me. The flavors were perfectly balanced and it was a refreshing change from the typical heavy brunch options. However, if you're in the mood for something more traditional, their fries are definitely worth trying too.

The atmosphere at Maxwell's Central Park is laid-back yet sophisticated - making it perfect for a Sunday brunch with friends or even a casual date. And if you're lucky enough to snag one of the outdoor tables, then you're in for a treat.

Overall, I would highly recommend Maxwell's Central Park as one of the top contenders for best brunch in East Harlem. The combination of great drinks, delicious food and pleasant atmosphere make it well worth a visit.

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El Tepeyac Taqueria 97 St

Highlights
Delicious chicken enchiladas
Tender rice and nice black beans
Tacos Al Pastor were excellent

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the flavors at this Mexican restaurant. Their chicken enchiladas were so juicy and flavorful that I couldn't resist having another plate. The rice was tender and moist, and the black beans had a nice texture to them.

But what really stole the show for me were their Tacos Al Pastor. These tacos were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice and tenderness in each bite. It was like a party in my mouth!

The ambiance of the place is cozy and inviting, perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends or family. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed.

Overall, El Tepeyac Taqueria 97 St has definitely earned its spot on my list of best brunches in East Harlem. If you're looking for some delicious Mexican cuisine with a great atmosphere, this is definitely the place to be!

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La Fonda

Highlights
Amazing service
Delicious food
Wonderful staff
Great atmosphere

I was blown away by the amazing service at La Fonda. From the moment I walked in, the waitstaff made me feel right at home. They were attentive and accommodating, ensuring that my brunch experience was nothing short of fantastic.

But let's talk about the food! The menu had a great selection of dishes to choose from, ranging from classic breakfast items to more unique options. I decided to try their huevos rancheros and was not disappointed. The dish had just the right amount of spice and was served with fresh ingredients that made it taste like a true Mexican masterpiece.

The wonderful staff continued to check in on me throughout my meal, making sure everything was to my liking. And can we talk about the atmosphere? The restaurant has a cozy yet vibrant feel with colorful decorations and lively music playing in the background.

Overall, my experience at La Fonda exceeded all expectations. The combination of delicious food, amazing service, and a great atmosphere make it a top contender for the best brunch spot in East Harlem. So if you're looking for an unforgettable brunch experience, be sure to give La Fonda a try!

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Nocciola Ristorante

Highlights
Unorthodox Italian
Great fixed menu
Stellar food
Unique atmosphere
Reasonable prices

Firstly, let me start by saying that this place is a hidden gem! The atmosphere was unique, unlike any other brunch spot I've been to. The decor gave off an Italian countryside vibe with a modern twist.

As for the food, it was absolutely stellar! Nocciola Ristorante offers an unorthodox Italian brunch menu that is sure to please any taste bud. They have a great fixed menu which includes a delicious selection of pastries, followed by your choice of an entree and dessert.

I ordered the eggs benedict with smoked salmon which was cooked to perfection and topped with their homemade hollandaise sauce. My friend went for the french toast stuffed with Nutella and bananas which was simply out of this world!

What's even better is that their prices are quite reasonable for the quality of food you receive. It's no surprise that Nocciola Ristorante has become a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Overall, if you're looking for an unforgettable brunch experience in East Harlem, then I highly recommend giving Nocciola Ristorante a try. You won't regret it!

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Red Rooster Harlem

Highlights
Creative, talented dishes
Top-notch service
Unique cocktails
Freshness and variety of food
Great ambience

Firstly, let me start with the fact that I was blown away by the creative and talented dishes. Every dish had a unique twist that made it stand out from the typical brunch fare. The service was top-notch - attentive and friendly without being overbearing.

The cocktail menu was equally impressive with unique cocktails that perfectly complemented the food. My personal favorite was "The Harlem Mule" which had a spicy kick to it.

What impressed me most about Red Rooster Harlem was the freshness and variety of food. The ingredients were clearly high-quality, and everything tasted like it had been prepared just moments before being served. And there was something for everyone - vegetarians, meat-lovers, and even gluten-free options.

Lastly, I have to mention the great ambience of this place. From the open kitchen to the live music, every detail added to a lively atmosphere that made me want to stay all day.

Overall, Red Rooster Harlem definitely deserves to be in the conversation for best brunch in East Harlem, and I highly recommend giving it a try!

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El Paso

Highlights
Unique entrees
Amazing guacamole and margaritas
Authentic decor
Fresh food
Live Mariachi music

First off, the decor at El Paso was so authentic and colorful that I felt like I had been transported to a Mexican hacienda. The restaurant had an inviting atmosphere with vibrant murals and rustic wooden tables.

Now let's talk about the food! The menu offered some unique entrees that were hard to find anywhere else in East Harlem. I tried the Chilaquiles Verdes, which were made with fresh tortilla chips tossed in a tangy green salsa topped with queso fresco, crema, and eggs cooked to perfection. Every bite was a fiesta in my mouth!

But what truly stole my heart was their guacamole - it was absolutely amazing! Made fresh right at our tableside, it was creamy and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice. And don't even get me started on their margaritas... they were so good that I didn't even care that it was technically still morning.

What really set El Paso apart from other brunch spots in East Harlem was the live Mariachi music playing throughout our meal. It added such a festive touch and made us feel like we were part of a true Mexican celebration.

Overall, El Paso is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a unique brunch experience in East Harlem. With its authentic decor, fresh food, and amazing margaritas & guac, it's sure to be a hit for any group looking for something different.

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Effy's Kitchen

Highlights
Mediterranean menu
Bottomless mimosas
Delicious breakfast
Family-friendly

As soon as I walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made me feel like I was in a Mediterranean paradise. The menu is a perfect blend of classic breakfast dishes and unique Mediterranean flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From fluffy pancakes to savory omelets, Effy's Kitchen has it all.

One thing that stood out to me was their bottomless mimosas. Yes, you heard that right - bottomless! These bubbly delights were the perfect complement to my meal and added an extra layer of fun to the brunch experience.

But let's talk about the food - it was absolutely delicious. Each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail. The Mediterranean twist on classic breakfast options was a welcomed surprise, and the flavors were perfectly balanced.

Effy's Kitchen is also family-friendly, making it a great option for parents who want to enjoy a delicious brunch without sacrificing quality time with their little ones.

Overall, if you're looking for a brunch spot with a unique twist on classic breakfast dishes, then Effy's Kitchen is definitely worth checking out. Between the delicious food, bottomless mimosas, and welcoming atmosphere, you won't be disappointed!

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East Harlem Bottling Co.

Highlights
Kid-friendly
Delicious food
Great atmosphere
Good music choice
Welcoming service

Firstly, I was thrilled to see how kid-friendly the place was. It's always a relief when you can take your little ones with you and actually enjoy your meal without worrying about their fussiness. And let me tell you, it's not just kid-friendly, but also adult-friendly! The food was absolutely delicious, which is a must-have for any brunch spot.

The great atmosphere made me feel like I was in an old-school diner with its vintage decor and lively ambiance. They also have a fantastic selection of beverages, including their signature cocktails and freshly squeezed juices that complemented our meal perfectly. The good music choice added to the overall vibe of the place, making it feel like a fun hangout spot.

But what really stood out for me was the welcoming service from the staff. They were friendly, attentive and very accommodating towards our requests. It felt like we were being welcomed into their home rather than just another customer.

Overall, East Harlem Bottling Co is definitely one of my top picks for brunch in East Harlem. With its great food, welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, it has everything you need for a perfect brunch experience. Don't hesitate to check it out - I promise you won't regret it!

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