The Absolute Best Brunch in Essex County [Updated 2024]

I've been to countless brunch spots and tried numerous dishes that have left me both delighted and disappointed. However, after extensive research, I've narrowed down the top 12 places that offer the best brunch in Essex County.

From classic breakfast dishes to innovative cuisine, these restaurants have something for everyone. So if you're a fellow brunch lover or simply looking for a tasty morning meal, keep reading to discover our top picks for the best brunches in Essex County!

Seymours Cafe

Highlights
Fantastic presentation
Delicious food
Non-dairy milk options
Efficient service
Legit bagels

First, let's talk about the presentation. The food was like a work of art on my plate. It was almost too pretty to eat, but I couldn't resist. Every item was arranged perfectly and it made for an Instagram-worthy photo.

Now let's get to the good stuff - the food. Oh my goodness, it was delicious! The flavors were rich and bold, and each bite was better than the last. I couldn't decide which dish I liked the most because they were all so tasty.

I was pleased to see that Seymours Cafe had non-dairy milk options available as well. As someone who is lactose intolerant, it's always a nice surprise when a restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions.

The service at Seymours Cafe was also top-notch. The staff were friendly and efficient - I didn't have to wait long for anything! They kept my coffee cup filled without me even asking.

And last but not least, the bagels. Let me tell you, these were legit bagels. You could taste the freshness in every bite. I'm still dreaming about them days later.

Overall, my experience at Seymours Cafe was fantastic and definitely one of the best brunches I've had in Essex County. If you're looking for a place with great presentation, delicious food, non-dairy options, efficient service and legit bagels - then Seymours Cafe is your place!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Dutchess County NY.

THE ORDER

Highlights
Eclectic decor
Speciality coffee drinks
Innovative menu selection

First off, I must say that the eclectic decor was a breath of fresh air. The combination of vintage and modern elements made for a cozy yet trendy atmosphere. But let's talk about the real reason I was there - the brunch.

The innovative menu selection at THE ORDER did not disappoint. I tried their avocado toast, which was anything but basic. The addition of pickled onions and a poached egg elevated the dish to another level. And don't even get me started on their speciality coffee drinks. My latte was chef's kiss perfection.

But what really stood out to me was the attention to detail in both presentation and flavor. Each dish was plated beautifully, making it difficult to dig in without taking a quick photo for Instagram first (yes, guilty as charged). And once you do take that first bite, you're hit with an explosion of flavors that leave your taste buds dancing.

Overall, I highly recommend adding THE ORDER to your list of brunch spots in Essex County. The innovative menu selection and speciality coffee drinks paired with the eclectic decor make for an experience worth having again...and again...and again!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Howard County.

Harper's Cafe

Highlights
Brioche egg sandwich
Cute mugs and homey interior
Creative and delicious lunch
Hip and cozy vibe

First and foremost, I was impressed by the creative and delicious lunch options available at Harper's Cafe. But what really stood out to me was their Brioche egg sandwich. The combination of the fluffy brioche bread with the perfectly cooked egg and savory toppings made for a mouthwatering experience.

The cute mugs and homey interior added to the already delightful atmosphere of this cozy cafe. It felt like I was having brunch at a friend's house rather than a restaurant.

The vibe at Harper's Cafe is both hip and cozy. It's definitely a place you can go to enjoy a nice meal while feeling comfortable in your surroundings.

Overall, I highly recommend Harper's Cafe for anyone looking for an excellent brunch experience in Essex County. With its creative menu options, homey atmosphere, and hip vibe, it's no wonder why this place is one of my top picks for best brunch spots in the area.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Harford County.

The Corner

Highlights
Good variety of dishes
Adorable and cozy decor
Reasonable prices
Friendly and welcoming staff
Best pancakes in the world

First of all, the decor of the place was so adorable and cozy that I almost forgot I was there for brunch. But let's talk about the main event: the food. The variety of dishes they offer is impressive and there is something for everyone. From classic breakfast items like eggs benedict to more unique options like shakshuka, I was thoroughly impressed.

But let me tell you, the highlight of my meal were the pancakes. Oh my goodness, these were hands down the best pancakes in the world. They were fluffy, perfectly cooked, and just melted in my mouth. Don't even get me started on the maple syrup - it was like liquid gold.

To top everything off, the prices were reasonable and definitely worth every penny. And as if that wasn't enough, the staff were so friendly and welcoming that I felt right at home.

Overall, The Corner is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a delicious brunch in Essex County. Trust me when I say that you won't be disappointed.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Delaware County.

The Original Pancake House

Highlights
Wide variety of pancakes
Comfortable and inviting atmosphere
Friendly and attentive staff
Freshly made food
Generous portions

Walking into the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The decor had a vintage feel with cozy booths and wooden accents that added to the charm. The staff were also incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel welcomed from the moment I walked in.

Now, let's talk about the food. The menu had a wide variety of pancakes that made it hard to choose just one! But after much deliberation, I went with their signature dish - the Apple Pancake. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The pancake was freshly made with chunks of juicy apples baked into it and topped with a cinnamon glaze. It was like eating apple pie for breakfast!

The portions were also very generous, so come hungry or be prepared to take home leftovers (which is never a bad thing!). Everything was served piping hot and tasted incredibly fresh.

Overall, I can confidently say that The Original Pancake House is definitely one of the top contenders for the best brunch in Essex County. Their delicious food paired with their inviting atmosphere and friendly staff make this place a must-visit for anyone looking for a great brunch spot.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Anne Arundel County.

Sweet Basil's Cafe

Highlights
Amazing service and taste
Affordable prices
Large food portions
Incredible menu options
Impeccable service

First things first, I must say that this cafe has an amazing service and taste. As soon as I arrived, the staff greeted me with a big smile and made me feel right at home. The menu options were so incredible that it was hard to choose just one dish. But once my food arrived, I knew I had made the right choice! The taste was beyond my expectations and every bite felt like a party in my mouth.

One of the things that impressed me the most about Sweet Basil's Cafe was how they managed to keep their prices so affordable without sacrificing quality. It's not often that you find a restaurant with such large food portions at such reasonable prices. So if you're looking for brunch on a budget, then this is definitely the place for you.

The cafe's menu options are also incredibly diverse and include vegetarian and gluten-free options, which is great for those with dietary restrictions. From classic breakfast dishes like pancakes and omelettes to more unique options like avocado toast and breakfast burritos – there really is something for everyone here.

And last but certainly not least, the service at Sweet Basil's Cafe is impeccable. The staff was attentive throughout my visit without being overbearing, making sure that every need was met promptly.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a brunch spot in Essex County with amazing taste, affordable prices, large portions, incredible menu options, and impeccable service - look no further than Sweet Basil's Cafe!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Lambertville NJ.

McLoone's Boathouse

Highlights
Lively Staff
Beautiful Views
Delicious Food
Industrial Aesthetic
Vegetarian/Vegan Options

First of all, the staff at McLoone's Boathouse were incredibly lively and welcoming. I felt like I was part of a big family brunch, minus the weird uncle. The views from the restaurant were absolutely stunning, with a beautiful waterfront view that made me feel like I was on vacation.

The food was also delicious, with options for both meat-lovers and vegetarians/vegans alike. I especially appreciated their efforts to cater to those following a plant-based lifestyle without compromising on taste.

In terms of aesthetic, McLoone's Boathouse had an industrial vibe that gave it a unique edge compared to other brunch spots in Essex County. It felt like I was dining in a trendy Brooklyn warehouse rather than a traditional NJ restaurant.

Overall, my experience at McLoone's Boathouse left me feeling satisfied and happy. The combination of delicious food and beautiful views made for an unforgettable brunch experience. So if you're looking for the best brunch spot in Essex County, give McLoone's Boathouse a try – you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Lake George.

Chit Chat Diner

Highlights
Scenic views
Unique theme (Alice in Wonderland)
Excellent variety menu
Good service
Manager's attention

Firstly, let's talk about the scenic views. The diner is situated in a prime location that overlooks a beautiful park, making it the perfect spot for weekend brunches.

But what really sets Chit Chat Diner apart is its unique theme - Alice in Wonderland! From the decor to the menu items, everything had an Alice in Wonderland twist that made it feel like we were stepping into another world. It was definitely a fun and playful touch!

Now, let's move on to the most important part - the food. The menu had an excellent variety, ranging from classic eggs and bacon to more creative dishes like red velvet waffles. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection and tasted fantastic.

The service was also top-notch, with our server being attentive and friendly throughout our meal. But what really impressed us was when the manager stopped by our table to check on how everything was going. It showed that they truly care about their customers' experience.

Overall, Chit Chat Diner exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique brunch experience with great food and service. Just be prepared for some curiouser and curiouser twists on your classic brunch favorites!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Kingston NY.

Toast Montclair

Highlights
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Charming setting
Large portions

First off, let me start by saying that the staff at Toast Montclair are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. They welcomed me with open arms and made sure that my experience was nothing short of amazing.

Now let's talk about the food. Oh, the food! Everything on their brunch menu looked so delicious that it was hard to choose just one dish. But I finally decided on their avocado toast with poached eggs and smoked salmon. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The flavors were perfectly balanced and every bite was heavenly.

But it's not just the food that makes Toast Montclair stand out - it's also their charming setting. The decor is so unique and eye-catching, it really sets the tone for a great brunch experience. And don't even get me started on their outdoor seating area - it's absolutely stunning.

One thing I have to mention is that they don't skimp on portions here at Toast Montclair. You definitely won't leave hungry after enjoying one of their brunch dishes.

Overall, my visit to Toast Montclair was a delightful experience from start to finish. If you're looking for a place with friendly staff, delicious food, and a charming setting, then look no further than Toast Montclair for your next brunch adventure in Essex County.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Inwood.

Jackie and Son

Highlights
Aesthetically pleasing cafe
Great lighting by windows and outside
Must try the French toast
Amazing baked goods options
Friendly staff

Firstly, let me say that the cafe is truly aesthetically pleasing, with its lovely interior decor and great lighting by the windows that allow natural light to flood in. As I sat down, I couldn't help but notice how cozy and welcoming the atmosphere was.

Now let's talk about the food! The must-try item on their menu is definitely their French toast. Trust me when I say this - it's a slice of heaven on a plate! The flavors were perfectly balanced and it was cooked to perfection. It's one of those dishes that will make you want to lick your plate clean!

I also couldn't resist trying some of their baked goods options. From cakes to tarts, scones to croissants, they had an amazing selection of sweet treats that were all freshly made in-house. The quality and presentation of each item was top-notch.

Lastly, the staff at Jackie and Son were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout my visit. They made sure that everything was up to par and exceeded my expectations.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a brunch spot in Essex County with great food options, amazing baked goods, and friendly staff then Jackie and Son should be at the top of your list!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Hyannis.

Honey's Kitchen

Highlights
Homemade corn beef hash
Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere
Delicious challah french toast
Large portion sizes of food

Upon walking in, I was greeted with a warm smile and a cozy atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly and made me feel right at home. As I perused the menu, I noticed that Honey's Kitchen offers some unique brunch dishes like their homemade corn beef hash, which was absolutely delicious! It had the perfect balance of savory and salty flavors that left me feeling satisfied but not weighed down.

For my main dish, I tried their challah french toast. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The bread was perfectly toasted with a cinnamon-sugar coating that melted in my mouth. The portion sizes were definitely generous too - I had plenty to take home for later.

Overall, Honey's Kitchen is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a fantastic brunch experience in Essex County. They offer delicious food with large portions and an atmosphere that will leave you feeling comfortable and content. Don't hesitate to stop by and try their delightful dishes!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Hudson Yards.

Raymond's

Highlights
Great steak and eggs
Delicious pancakes with chocolate chips
Attentive and wonderful service
Juicy burgers with crisp fries
Warm brownie sundae

First of all, the steak and eggs were absolutely phenomenal. The steak was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth with every bite. It was accompanied by eggs that were cooked exactly how I like them - runny yolks with firm whites.

Next up were the pancakes with chocolate chips, which were sinfully delicious. The pancakes themselves were light and fluffy, but it was the addition of the chocolate chips that really took them to the next level. They were generously sprinkled throughout the stack and added just the right amount of sweetness.

I must also mention the attentive and wonderful service we received at Raymond's. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations. She checked on us frequently without being intrusive, ensuring that our experience was nothing short of perfect.

For those looking for something savory, I highly recommend trying their juicy burgers with crisp fries. The burgers had a nice char on them and were incredibly juicy, while the fries were perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.

Finally, we ended our meal with a warm brownie sundae which was simply divine - a gooey brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Raymond's for brunch in Essex County. With their amazing food and impeccable service, it's no wonder they're considered one of the best brunch spots around!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Hell's Kitchen NYC.