The 10 Best Breakfast Spots in New York!
There’s something so special about a hearty breakfast in the right setting. Breakfast places are rare gems among restaurants, and the best ones aren’t always easy to find. From retro diners to quirky cow-themed cafés, these are the best breakfast places in New York State.
Jack’s Wife Freda, New York, NY
With two locations in SoHo and West Village, Jack’s Wife Freda draws a fashionable, high-profile breakfast crowd. But the food is the real star here—the owners draw on their Jewish heritage to offer savory home-style Israeli-Middle Eastern-Mediterranean dishes you won’t find at any other establishment.
The Big Tomato Luncheonette, Poughkeepsie, NY
Not much has changed at The Big Tomato since it opened in the 1970s. With the comforting diner fare, counter stools, and classic diner décor, this luncheonette is a huge hit with Vassar students and locals alike.
Love Lane Kitchen, Mattituck, NY
This bright café serves breakfast seven days a week on Long Island’s north fork, which also happens to be its wine country. Stop in after a wine tasting for some fresh coffee, pancakes, and eggs in a cheery atmosphere.
Tom’s Restaurant, New York, NY
This quintessential American diner is famous for its role as Jerry’s hangout in “Seinfeld.” Today, the Morningside Heights restaurant serves all-day breakfast (there’s an extensive omelet menu) and is frequented by locals, tourists, and Columbia students.
Babette’s Kitchen, Millbrook, NY
A cozy café in Millbrook, Babette’s Kitchen uses unique family recipes for baked goods, sandwiches, and even hot chocolate. Grab one of the 20 seats in the dining area and enjoy the deliciousness on offer.
The Gem Diner, Syracuse, NY
The Gem Diner, with its neon sign and aluminum façade, is a Syracuse icon. The retro diner offers all-day breakfast and all the greasy-good fare you’d expect: think onion rings, pancakes, biscuits, and coffee to keep you going.
Phoenicia Diner, Phoenicia, NY
Once a vintage Greek diner, Phoenicia Diner was bought by an ex-Brooklynite in 2012 who transformed it into a farm-to-table culinary experience. Now, you can grab a stool (or a booth), take advantage of the full bar, and dine on farm-raised pork and local, free-range eggs.
The Owl House, Rochester, NY
Located in a charming house in Rochester, The Owl House is popular for its New American cuisine, extensive beer list, and vegetarian and vegan specialties. Fans also flock to this breakfast place for the dynamite waffle selection.
Nestico’s Too!, Syracuse, NY
Central New York takes breakfast seriously, and Nestico’s Too has a reputation for being the best. It’s the kind of breakfast place you go to converse with the regulars—and for savory eggs, pancakes, fruit, and other delights.
Maureen’s Kitchen, Smithtown, NY
Voted Long Island’s best breakfast place year after year, this quirky cow-themed establishment serves up mega-sized portions of everything delicious. Maureen’s Kitchen attracts customers from east end to west end, and there’s always a line out the door.
