Best Breakfasts in New York City

This Museum Mile kaffeehaus is so authentic it may as well be set along Vienna’s Ringstrasse. This gorgeous ground-floor den is clad in dark-stained wood with diners seated along a banquette covered in Otto Wagner fabric. In the mornings, tables fill with hefty Austrian breakfasts—sausage and a pretzel if you dare, or the lighter smoked trout crepes. The cakes and pastries are the stuff of dreams. Linzer torte and Sachertorte are as classic as they are extraordinary. Feuilletine may be described as a chocolate mousse cake but it is anything but simple with its luscious, well-executed layers.

Boerum Hill’s tiny, bodacious deli serves up killer smoked meats among other treats whose caloric content rivals a week’s worth of eating. This is Montreal Jewish fare, the stuff comfort food dreams are made of. Before 11am, it's smoked brisket, with potato, caramelized onions, fried eggs (or bagels). At lunch and dinner, thin slices of corned beef piled high, topped with kraut and Russian dressing, blanketed in melted Swiss and wedged between toasted pumpernickel. 

From white-jacketed servers to that pristine counter, this updated yet model LES café channels the very spirit and charm of its mothership, set only blocks away. Caramelized chocolate babka French toast is crowned with strawberries for a sweet-savory treat; and “eggs Benny” with salmon, spinach and challah never fails to peg a bruncher.

As part of Columbia University’s sprawl, this address is a godsend for students, faculty and locals from morning to night. Although it’s spacious with plenty of outdoor options, the popular spot doesn’t accept reservations—and has the lines to prove it. They turn out joyful fare, and the weekday blueberry pancake special is just one reason why this place gets so much love.

In contrast to its rustic bar downstairs, this stalwart now boasts a second floor dining room, with palm trees and whitewashed walls. Begin with crusty sourdough and creamy beer butter or warm and sticky buns. The kitchen also excels in smoking fish and fermenting vegetables. Don't miss the market for irresistible pastries.