5 Places to Get the Best Brunch in Brooklyn

by Helen Nichols | well-beingsecrets.com 

Brunch in Brooklyn is a SERIOUS business to any true Brooklynite, so choosing the right spot for your dining experience is key. Luckily, I’ve been exploring the Brooklyn brunch scene for a while now and I can give you few valuable tips. Here are my top five picks for the best brunch in Brooklyn, where you can be sure to have a pleasant experience and impress your friends.

1. Pegasus
8610 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 748-6977

This cozy diner spot in Bay Ridge may have a limited number of brunch items, but each part of the menu earns its spot on the list.

The bourbon French toast is soaked through to perfection and cooked with just the right amount of crispiness. Their balsamic vinaigrette is homemade and to die for, as well, and it comes served on mesclun greens along with their avocado on ciabatta toast dish served with two basted eggs. For a more classic American meal, the chicken and waffles provide a straightforward alternative, and they come with a mouth-watering honey-dijon maple butter sauce.

If you need a pick-me-up, the cappuccino is a fan favorite, as it’s a delicately balanced and fluffy blend worthy of a coffee house, or for a decaf treat, the mint lemonade will satisfy even the pickiest customer on a hot day. They also serve fresh-squeezed orange juice for those who want the comfort of an old standard.

Be aware, however — Pegasus is cash-only, and the restaurant fills up fast due to demand, so come informed and ready for the experience. You can check their website here.

2. Atlas Steakhouse
943 Coney Island Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
(646) 494-7227

This is probably my most favorite restaurant from this list. Offering what is probably the heartiest selection on this list, as expected from a steakhouse, this Ditmas Park location is unassuming from the outside façade, but it provides a wallop of a brunch experience from the moment you cross into the immaculate interior.

Atlas’ brunch menu offers a potential buffet for the carnivorous, including a succulent lamb burger served with kettle chips, a short rib sandwich with mozzarella or the skirt steak sandwich served on a French baguette with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions alongside roasted potatoes.

There is also lighter fare, including two varieties of Turkey sandwich, with the Croque Mosieur served with Swiss cheese, tomatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce on whole wheat alongside a salad and roasted potatoes, while the Croque Madame throws a sunny side egg on top for just a dollar extra. There are also numerous salmon options, served on a croissant, in a wrap, or even as part of an eggs benedict dish, as well as a Moroccan roll stuffed with your choice of oxtail or cheese.

All this being said, vegetarians will have plenty of options as well, with the delicate crepes, served with Nutella and a choice of pineapple, mixed berries, banana, or strawberries, rising to the level of a clear stand-out. There is also an ample selection of omelets, salads, and Belgian waffles options for those so inclined, as well as French toast, shakshouka, and a spinach eggs benedict option to balance out the diverse menu.

Boasting an in-house mixologist to recommend drink and wine pairings for your meal, this relatively new restaurant (Est. 2015) founded by a trio of father and sons is deservedly earning a reputation for itself.

Check out their brunch menu here.

3. Lunitas
1039 A Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(347) 987-3799

Lunitas is in the outskirts of Clinton Hill and is operated by a devoted couple whose crew provides top-notch service with a smile.

The Fulton is a delightful rainbow-colored assortment of eggs, avocado, peppers, and tomatoes with an optional meat addition served on a cheddar-chayenne-chive biscuit (which can be ordered separately as a stand-alone snack), which all comes together in a healthy, but filling breakfast sandwich. Speaking of, the classic bacon, egg, and cheese obtains a slightly new dimension after they put it through a panini press, giving a unique crispness to an old classic. The empanadas are also worth a taste, but at a relatively steep price of $4 each, they should be treated as an indulgence rather than a go-to snack.

Of particular interest in this cute dining spot is an adjoining room filled with children’s toys to finish off the homey feel of the restaurant — perfect for young parents or nostalgists alike. There is also a small backyard area that can be used on nice days to bring a relaxing patio feel to your brunch experience.

Their website appears to be down, but you can always check their Yelp listing.

4. Stone Park Café
324 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 369-0082

Moderate portions and exquisite care put into each dish are the names of the game at this upscale restaurant situated in Park Slope, which provides a wider range of items at a slightly higher price point than the previous spots on the list, along with a more finished interior design.

In addition to a variety of specialty omelets that run the gamut from classic, Greek, spicy, seafood, and custom, the menu offers unique takes on all the expected staples of breakfast foods, with the short rib hash and eggs leading the pack as a clear standout. Stone Park Café’s menu takes pains to mention that all eggs come from free-range, organic, and hormone and antibiotic-free hens for the environmentally conscious and humane eater.

For those leaning away from breakfast options, the 8 oz. burgers are always cooked to perfection and come with mushrooms, bacon, and three different kinds of cheese: Cabot cheddar, Maytag blue, and pepper jack.

The Bloody Mary option is not for the faint of heart, as it comes extraordinarily bitter and spicy, but it will please the pickier connoisseur of this classic hair-of-the-dog drink.

Reservations are not necessary, but they are available to those who want to circumvent any unnecessary waiting.

For reservations and menu, check out their website.

5. The Coop
9504 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 680-0269

At The Coop, all eggs and dairy options are organic and locally sourced, and the rustic hardwood gives the feel of a rural oasis in the middle of Bay Ridge, despite it being conveniently located next to the R line. For a peaceful spot for brunch in Brooklyn, you’d be hard-pressed to find better.

The kale salad, which comes with feta on the side, is a perfect green option, though the deviled-egg or avocado smash both provide a simpler, but equally delicious option sure to please any hungry diner.

There is also an assortment of bagels, French toast, and grilled cheese offerings, along with options of Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, jams, and sunflower butter dishes. For an ethnic treat slightly off the beaten path, the shakshuka meal provides two poached eggs in a tomato and pepper sauce with spices, served with a tomato and cucumber salad and pita bread with Za’atar — a blend of Middle Eastern spices.

The “Black and Tan,” contrary to the usual late-night expectation, is an intriguing mix comprising equal parts of their on-tap cold brewed coffee and on-tap latte. They also offer a variety of bottled kombucha drinks.

The restaurant also features a play area in the back for any parents coming to enjoy a quiet constitutional, so this spot is perfect for just about any group. For menu and contact info, please visit their yelp page.

Helen Nichols is a health and food blogger at Well-BeingSecrets.com. She enjoys exploring interesting restaurants in Brooklyn and sharing her first-hand experiences.

A Note from The Wandering Ex-Housewife

So many restaurants in Brooklyn, so little time. Talking to a local is key to maximizing your every dining experience wherever you happen to be wandering in the world. MANY thanks to Helen for her favorite places for sharing her five favorite spots for having the best brunch in Brooklyn. I can’t wait to go back to New York for more gluttonous pleasure. 🙂

For more New York foodie tips, check out my New York City Food Tour post. Bon appetit!