The Absolute Best Brunch in Gowanus [Updated 2024]

There's something special about gathering with friends or family over a delicious meal and a mimosa (or two) on a lazy Sunday morning. I've had my fair share of brunches in this trendy Brooklyn neighborhood and have sampled the menus at 12 different spots.

From classic avocado toast to unique breakfast pizzas, I've found some true gems that make Gowanus a brunch lover's paradise. So grab your appetite and your bestie and let me take you on a journey to discover the best brunch in Gowanus!

Surfish Bistro

Highlights
Peruvian cuisine
Fresh ingredients
Cozy atmosphere
Wide selection of vegetarian options
Large servings

Firstly, let me just say that if you're looking for a unique brunch experience in Gowanus, you have to try Surfish Bistro. The highlight of this restaurant is definitely their Peruvian cuisine. The flavors and spices in the dishes are so rich and aromatic that your taste buds will be dancing with joy.

One thing I noticed about Surfish Bistro is their commitment to using fresh ingredients. You can taste the difference in every bite. Plus, they offer a wide selection of vegetarian options which is great for those who prefer meatless meals.

The cozy atmosphere of Surfish Bistro adds to its charm. It's the perfect spot for brunch with friends or even a romantic date. The service is top-notch too - friendly and attentive without being intrusive.

Finally, I have to mention the serving sizes at Surfish Bistro. They are huge! You definitely won't leave hungry after indulging in their brunch offerings.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an unforgettable brunch experience in Gowanus, head over to Surfish Bistro. Their Peruvian cuisine, fresh ingredients, cozy atmosphere, vegetarian options and generous servings make it one of the best brunch spots in town.

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

Runner & Stone

Highlights
Excellent cappuccino
Perfect texture croissants
Friendly staff
Delicious pasta dishes
House-made potato chips

First, let me highlight that their cappuccino is excellent. The foam was perfectly frothed and the espresso had a rich flavor. I also highly recommend their croissants, which had the perfect texture, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

The staff at Runner & Stone were incredibly friendly, making it a warm and welcoming environment. They were attentive to my needs and made sure I was satisfied with each dish.

Speaking of dishes, their pasta options were nothing short of amazing. I enjoyed their linguine with clams, which was bursting with flavors that complemented each other perfectly. And as if that wasn't enough, they also serve house-made potato chips that are simply addictive.

Overall, Runner & Stone offers an exceptional brunch experience in Gowanus. From their cappuccinos to their pasta dishes, every item on the menu is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients. If you're looking for a spot to enjoy excellent food and a friendly atmosphere, this is definitely one to check out!

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

Root Hill Cafe

Highlights
Great breakfast sandwich on brioche
Tasty chai latte
Best overnight oats
Best GF brioche sandwich
Friendly staff

I started off with their breakfast sandwich on a fluffy brioche bun which was absolutely amazing. The sandwich was packed with flavor and kept me full throughout the day. I also had the pleasure of trying their delicious chai latte which was perfectly spiced and not too sweet.

For those who are health-conscious, Root Hill Cafe offers some great options like their best overnight oats that were creamy and satisfying. Their GF brioche sandwich was another highlight of my visit that even non-GF folks will love.

The cafe has a very cozy atmosphere with a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home. It's perfect for catching up with friends, reading a book or getting some work done while sipping on coffee.

Overall, Root Hill Cafe is definitely one of my top picks for the best brunch in Gowanus. The food is delicious and the staff is welcoming - what more could you ask for? I highly recommend giving this spot a try!

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Bond St Coffee and Goods

Highlights
Friendly baristas
Tasty sandwiches
Cool hot sauce options
Great music selection
Cool, friendly ambiance

First off, let me just say that the baristas at Bond St Coffee and Goods were incredibly friendly. They greeted me with smiles and helped me choose from their impressive selection of sandwiches. Speaking of which, the sandwiches were delicious! The ingredients tasted fresh and were layered perfectly to create a mouthwatering bite in every sandwich.

But what really caught my attention was their cool hot sauce options. If you're like me and love some heat with your meal, then Bond St Coffee and Goods is definitely for you. Their hot sauce selection was unique and added an extra kick to my sandwich.

The ambiance at Bond St Coffee and Goods is also worth noting. The music selection was great, adding to the overall atmosphere of the place. It's a cool spot with a friendly vibe that makes you want to stay awhile.

Overall, I would definitely recommend checking out Bond St Coffee and Goods for brunch in Gowanus. With tasty sandwiches, cool hot sauce options, great music selection, and a friendly ambiance; it's no wonder why this place made it on my list of top brunch spots in Gowanus.

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

Olivier Bistro

Highlights
French twist cocktails
Excellent service
Memorable wine
Delicious food
Quaint Parisian vibe

First off, let me just say that the quaint Parisian vibe of this place had me feeling like I was taking a stroll along the Seine River. The moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat.

The service at Olivier Bistro is simply excellent, from the friendly hostess to our attentive waiter who gave us great recommendations on their menu items. Speaking of which, the food here is absolutely delicious! I highly recommend trying their Croque Madame, it's the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness.

If you're looking for something to wash down your meal with, look no further than their French twist cocktails. One sip and you'll feel like you're sipping champagne in a Parisian cafe.

But wait, there's more! Olivier Bistro also has a memorable wine selection that pairs perfectly with any dish on their brunch menu. Trust me when I say that you won't regret ordering a glass (or bottle) to complement your meal.

Overall, Olivier Bistro is definitely one of my top picks for the best brunch in Gowanus. Between their charming atmosphere and delectable food and drinks, it's hard not to fall in love with this place.

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Littleneck

Highlights
Lobster roll
Oysters
Ricotta pancakes
Fresh seafood
Great service

Let me start by saying that Littleneck is a hidden gem when it comes to brunch in Gowanus. The atmosphere was cozy and the service was top-notch. The first item that caught my eye on the menu was the lobster roll. As someone who loves seafood, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The lobster was perfectly cooked and tasted fresh, which is always a plus.

Another highlight of Littleneck's brunch menu were the oysters. They were served with a delicious mignonette sauce and were so fresh that they tasted like they had just been plucked from the sea.

If you're in the mood for something sweet, I highly recommend trying the ricotta pancakes. They were light and fluffy and had just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they were topped with fresh berries which added a nice touch.

One thing I appreciated about Littleneck's brunch menu was their focus on using fresh seafood. It's clear that they take pride in sourcing their ingredients locally and ensuring high-quality dishes for their customers.

Finally, I have to give a shoutout to our server who provided excellent service throughout our meal. Overall, if you're looking for a great brunch spot in Gowanus with amazing seafood options and great service, Littleneck is definitely worth checking out!

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Emma's Torch

Highlights
Cozy restaurant with purpose
Amazing food with eternal flavors
Vegetarian options available
Excellent service
High-quality hand wash and lotion

As soon as I entered Emma's Torch, I was welcomed by the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. Not only is it a great place to grab brunch, but it also has a purpose - Emma's Torch is dedicated to providing culinary training and job placement for refugees. So not only are you indulging in delicious food, but you're also supporting an amazing cause!

Speaking of food...oh my goodness! The flavors were eternal! I tried their classic french toast with fresh berries and whipped cream, and let me tell you, it was divine. Additionally, they have vegetarian options available which is always a plus.

The service at Emma's Torch was excellent – the staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. And let's talk about their hand wash and lotion - high-quality stuff right there!

Overall, if you're looking for a brunch spot with great food and an even greater purpose, Emma's Torch in Gowanus is definitely worth checking out. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but so will your conscience knowing that you supported such an incredible cause.

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Parklife

Highlights
Cute venue
Fantastic tacos
Great DJ
Innovative ordering system
Courtyard seating area

First of all, the venue itself is absolutely adorable. It has a very rustic and laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home. The courtyard seating area is especially lovely on a sunny day, and I couldn't help but feel like I was on vacation.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh boy, it was amazing! The tacos were some of the best I've ever had. They were bursting with flavor and each bite was a party in my mouth. I also appreciated the innovative ordering system, which made everything much more efficient.

But what really set Parklife apart from other brunch spots in Gowanus was the great DJ they had playing. The music really added to the overall atmosphere and made me want to stay longer.

In summary, if you're looking for an amazing brunch spot in Gowanus with fantastic food, great music, and a cute venue to match, then Parklife is definitely worth checking out. And don't forget to try their tacos - you won't be disappointed!

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

Victor

Highlights
Scrumptious food
Exceptional staff
All-natural wine list
Inviting dining space
Interesting wine selections

First of all, let me tell you that the food at Victor is nothing short of scrumptious. From the perfectly cooked eggs to the fluffy pancakes, every dish I tried was a delight for my taste buds. The exceptional staff also made me feel right at home with their friendly demeanor and attentive service.

One thing that really stood out to me was their all-natural wine list. As a wine enthusiast myself, I appreciated the effort they put into selecting interesting and unique wines to pair with brunch dishes. And let's be real, who doesn't love a little wine with their brunch?

The dining space at Victor is also worth mentioning. It has an inviting atmosphere with cozy seating arrangements that make you feel like you're enjoying brunch in your own living room (if your living room had exceptional food and drinks, of course).

Overall, I highly recommend Victor for anyone looking for a delicious brunch experience in Gowanus. Their scrumptious food, exceptional staff, interesting wine selections and inviting dining space make it one of my top picks for the best brunch in Gowanus.

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BreakHouse Cafe

Highlights
Extensive selection
Generous portions
Friendly staff
Fresh and delicious food
Daily buffet style lunch

First, let's talk about the extensive selection. From pancakes to omelets, and everything in between, their menu has something for everyone. I highly recommend trying their homemade granola bowl with fresh fruits and yogurt, it's a healthy and delicious option.

Now, let's get to the good stuff - generous portions. You definitely won't leave hungry after brunch at BreakHouse Cafe. Their dishes are so big that you might even need to take some home as leftovers. Trust me on this one, you'll thank me later!

The staff is also worth mentioning - they're incredibly friendly and attentive. They make sure you have everything you need for an enjoyable brunch experience.

But what really sets BreakHouse Cafe apart is their commitment to serving fresh and delicious food. Every dish is made to order with high-quality ingredients that make your taste buds dance with joy.

And if all of that wasn't enough, they also offer a daily buffet style lunch which is perfect for those who like variety or can't decide on just one dish.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at BreakHouse Cafe and highly recommend it as one of the best brunch spots in Gowanus. Don't take my word for it though, go try it out for yourself!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Greenwich Village NYC.

SweetTalk

Highlights
Truffle fries
Fresh poke
Taro nachos
Great drinks
Amazing service

First things first, the service at SweetTalk was outstanding. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. He even suggested some great drinks for us to try! Speaking of drinks, they were delicious and creative. I ordered a mimosa with a twist and it did not disappoint.

Now let's talk about the food. The highlight of our meal was definitely the truffle fries - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with just the right amount of truffle oil. We also tried the fresh poke, which was refreshing and flavorful. And for something a little different, we ordered the taro nachos - a unique take on traditional nachos that was surprisingly delicious.

Overall, I highly recommend SweetTalk for brunch in Gowanus. The atmosphere is trendy and fun, the service is top-notch, and most importantly, the food is amazing. Make sure to add this spot to your list of brunch places to visit!

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

Union Street Cafe

Highlights
Fast service
Wide breakfast options
Affordable prices
Killer coleslaw
Cash only

First off, I was really impressed with the fast service. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly staff member who quickly seated me and took my order. It's always great when you don't have to wait too long for your food to arrive.

Speaking of food, the wide breakfast options at Union Street Cafe were simply amazing. There were so many delicious options to choose from that it was hard to decide what to order! From classic eggs benedict to fluffy pancakes and even some unique items like breakfast tacos, there was something for everyone.

And don't worry about breaking the bank here because Union Street Cafe has affordable prices that won't leave you feeling guilty about indulging in a tasty brunch.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - their killer coleslaw! It perfectly complemented my savory dish and added a nice crunch to every bite. I highly recommend trying it out for yourself.

Just be aware that they are cash only, so make sure you bring some bills with you or else you'll be stuck washing dishes (kidding!).

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Union Street Cafe and would definitely recommend it as one of the best brunch spots in Gowanus.

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