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Where to Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch in Manhattan
1. Minetta Tavern – West Village
This high-end eatery, known for its history of famed literary diners, including Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings, is perfect for moms looking for a classy celebration. In business since the 1930s, this French-style restaurant offers Mother’s Day brunch specials like salmon crudo and citrus salad and hors d’oeuvres like butter lettuce salad and East Coast oysters, a tempting panier of sweet pastries, and desserts like apple strudel, pain au chocolat, lemon madeleines, and chocolate mousse. Of course, there is a long list of wines by the bottle and glass and cocktails as well.
2. The Musket Room – NoLita
Feast on a three-course, prix fixe Mother’s Day brunch at this Michelin-starred restaurant. The globally-inspired menu features duck confit, Japanese hamachi tartare, and a vacherin with carrot sorbet for dessert. Enjoy the sunshine in the verdant backyard and pick up some flowers at the pop-up flower bodega right out front. Reservations are recommended.
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Take mom onto the water for a scene-stealing Mother’s Day brunch cruise. Photo courtesy of Bateaux New York.
3. Bateaux Mother’s Day Cruise – Chelsea
Enjoy amazing views of the Manhattan skyline as you sail aboard the Bateaux New York’s brunch cruise boat that offers a three-course Mother’s Day brunch menu including bottomless mimosas for guests ages 21 and up.
4. Forgtmenot– Lower East Side
This casual, cool hot spot is intimate (read small) but homey and delicious, with seriously yummy dishes presented simply. At Forgtmenot, try a breakfast burrito with chorizo, or hootsla, its version of French toast in nugget form with cinnamon and honey, or its delicious Greek shoestring french fries, doused with oregano and feta cheese. A cool watermelon margarita served in a jar makes for an extra delightful Mother’s Day brunch. High chairs are available, with more room in the back of the restaurant for a rowdier crew.
5. The Blue Dog Cook House and Bar – Midtown West
This charming dining spot in Midtown offers an eclectic but carefully crafted Mother’s Day brunch menu that includes tailored omelets, a variety of eggs Benedict (including a delicious crab cake Benedict), salads, quesadillas, buffalo cauliflower, vegan shiitake bacon, lox, burgers, croque madame (and croque monsieur), chocolate chip pancakes, Oreo waffles, chicken and waffles, and more.
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Pair Mother’s Day brunch at Harlem’s Red Rooster with an amazing adult cocktail. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
6. Red Rooster Harlem – Harlem
Harlem’s dining renaissance began years ago with chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster, and his uptown hot spot is still dishing out its elevated soul-food favorites for Mother’s Day brunch—and every other meal. Treat the moms in your life to brunch and a gospel performance alongside fantastic eats.
7. Forager’s Table – Chelsea
There are few activities guaranteed to reignite one’s love of New York (and appreciation of the city’s history) more than a walk on The High Line. Mother’s Day is a perfect chance to enjoy this innovative green space. When you’re done with your stroll, the cozy vibe and a thoughtful menu (with several vegan options) at Forager’s Table is guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. For an extra Mother’s Day gift, pop into Forager’s Market to pick up some prepared dinner plates to go so you can give mom the whole day off.
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Dive into an elegant brunch spread at The Roxy Hotel’s Mother’s Day brunch.
8. The Roxy Hotel – Tribeca
The vibe at The Roxy Hotel’s Roxy Bar and Lounge is decidedly laid-back, with comfy couches enveloping diners in an area more reminiscent of a plush living room than a sit-down establishment. Live jazz accompanies its Mother’s Day brunch. Menu highlights include brown butter pancakes topped with a bananas foster sauce, an avocado scramble, and a lavish raw bar. Wash it all down with the Queen Bee Orchestra, a cocktail of gin, rhubarb, ginger, lemon, mint, and seltzer.
9. Friend of a Farmer – Gramercy Park
With a brunch menu that’s served until 4pm, this farm-to-table favorite is perfect for a leisurely start to the day or even a second breakfast. The healthy menu includes favorites like pumpkin, blueberry, and apple pancakes, as well as heartier options like salmon Benedict, grass-fed burgers, and shepherd’s pie. The outdoor seating area is super cozy and equipped with heaters in case it gets chilly.
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Dig into eggs Florentine at The Well Kitchen & Table and indulge mom in a relaxing treatment following brunch.
10. The Well Kitchen & Table – Union Square
Not only does this one-stop wellness shop offer innovative, restorative treatments to spoil mom (think a Biologique Recherche facial or a massage in the soundproof Meditation Dome for ultimate relaxation!), but you can enjoy a fabulous Mother’s Day brunch before you send mom off for a relaxing treatment. The on-site restaurant serves a selection of Mother’s Day brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday, including a cured sockeye salmon dish or eggs Florentine. No matter what you choose from its sustainably sourced, seasonally inspired menu, wash it all down with complimentary organic sparkling wine.
11. Chez Nick – Upper East Side
This neighborhood staple celebrates Mother’s Day brunch with a selection of spring-inspired specials in addition to its regular brunch menu. Mom can tuck into a southern breakfast sandwich with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and pimento cheese, while kids go crazy for the cinnamon roll monkey bread.
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Moss Café’s pastry case is filled with homemade goodies. Photo courtesy of Moss Café
Best Restaurants for Mother’s Day Brunch in the Bronx
12. Moss Cafe – Riverdale
This ethical, mom-friendly cozy coffee shop and cafe serves a kosher, vegetarian menu embracing the farm-to-table movement. Menus change with the seasons but expect wholesome, hearty, home-cooked goodness and made-from-scratch pastries. Enjoy mimosas or, if you prefer your beverages caffeinated, Stumptown Coffee.
13. Bronx Burger House – Riverdale
With burger in the name, it’s no surprise this spot serves red meat with just about every selection. The prix fixe menu includes namesake specialties such as the breakfast burger and standbys like steak and eggs and French toast. Wash it down with all-you-can-drink mimosas, bloody marys, sangria, screwdrivers, Bronx Burger House Brew, or house wine.
14. Havana Cafe – Schuylerville
This cozy Bronx spot offers a lively Mother’s Day brunch, complete with all-you-can-drink sangria. On the menu is a variety of Cuban-inspired breakfast items. If your kids are less adventurous than you, there’s a basic kids’ menu with child-friendly favorites such as chicken tenders, pancakes, or waffles. Each kids’ meal includes a soft drink and ice cream.
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Sweetwater has a beautiful garden.
Best Mother’s Day Brunch Spots in Brooklyn
15. Sweetwater Restaurant – Williamsburg
This French-inspired bistro delights all with its highly rated steak frites, French toast, and organic farm-raised egg dishes. High chairs are at the ready, and you can enjoy Mother’s Day brunch in its beautiful garden—a lovely option, especially if little ones need to do some exploring while waiting for their meals.
16. Stone Park Cafe – Park Slope
Delicious and family-friendly, Stone Park is a solid Mother’s Day brunch all-star with a variety of favorites, ranging from eggs Benedict to biscuits and gravy. The pretty dining room makes for a meal that feels a little fancy but still has plenty of high chairs to go around. Arrive early to snag a table.
17. Buttermilk Channel – Carroll Gardens
With great comfort food prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Buttermilk’s Mother’s Day brunch is hearty and yummy. There’s even a special kids’ menu with grilled cheese and other favorites, plus an ice cream sundae.
18. Five Leaves – Greenpoint
If the weather outlook is good, treat mom to an outdoor Mother’s Day brunch just steps from McCarren Park at this unique Australian bar and restaurant. The setting is perfect for new walkers to explore while waiting for food. The menu includes kid-friendly options, from egg sandwiches and ricotta pancakes to avocado toast.
19. Superfine – Dumbo
This organic, spacious loft-style restaurant is a long-time local favorite. It’s nestled under the Manhattan Bridge and serves brunch classics plus some south-of-the-border-style dishes. Another great perk to its location is the 5-minute walk to Jane’s Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can let the kids loose and enjoy the view after a delicious Mother’s Day brunch.
20. Greenhouse Cafe – Bay Ridge
This Bay Ridge mainstay serves a three-course prix fixe Mother’s Day brunch featuring a choice of appetizers, several seafood and meat entrees, and dessert like apple strudel cheesecake. There’s also a kids’ menu with fresh fruit, entree, and dessert. Reservations are recommended.
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Mom’s Kitchen & Bar serves homey, comforting classics like chicken and waffles.
Yummy Restaurants for Mother’s Day Brunch in Queens
21. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar – Astoria
What better choice for Mother’s Day brunch than an all-day breakfast spot named Mom’s? Mom’s fun menu has dishes like chicken and bacon waffles, shrimp and cheesy grits, and “Bedrock pancakes” made with Fruity Pebbles and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Partake in one of Mom’s indulgent adult beverages, like the Hot Girl Summer (jalapeno-infused tequila, triple sec, blackberry puree) or a Duckie Slide (gin, elderflower, cucumber, lemon, and club soda). Mom’s is also known for the fanciest (alcohol-free) milkshake, with salty, savory, and sweet blended into one intensely caloric glass.
22. Dinerbar – Rego Park
Dinerbar is a modern take on that good ol’ diner we all grew up with. Its regular brunch menu is hard to beat. Kids will have a hard time resisting the French toast waffle tower. The savory grilled shrimp omelets come highly recommended. Shh…there’s also a “boozy brunch” add-on. Kids, of course, are welcome, and high chairs are available.
23. Mojave – Astoria
A Southwestern restaurant with real south-of-the-border flair presents moms with jalapeno cheese sliders, pan-roasted shrimp, deep-fried squash blossoms (it’s a special day, after all), a Mojave avocado Benedict, and so much more. Don’t leave without tasting the caramelized banana pancakes or Dos Equis French toast. Kids appreciate its Mother’s Day brunch menu featuring simple standbys like quesadillas and mac and cheese. Come late for the DJ who plays every Sunday at 1pm.
24. Victory Garden Cafe Restaurant – Astoria
Mother’s Day brunch at the Greek-influenced Victory Garden is just that; brunch in a garden. Finger-licking good brunch options and a prix fixe menu for $39.95 leave you with plenty to choose from. There are sides like mini spinach and mini cheese pies, and Greek dips. There are also plenty of options to keep picky little ones satisfied.
A version of this post was originally published in April 2011; it is updated annually.
