While SoHo is renowned as an eclectic artist’s hub with a trendy provision of retail outlets, the Lower Manhattan neighborhood contains eateries with some of the tastiest brunch options in the city! Whether you just want a bite to start the day or a hearty meal during your break, this guide contains an inside look into some of the best brunch SoHo offers.
Sidney’s Five
What happens when you mix Traditional American cuisine with a chic ambiance in the East Village? You get Sidney’s Five! This cozy find features a distinct array of dishes alongside a full bar, with happy hour starting at 5 p.m. Sidney’s Five serves Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Everything on the menu is under $30 with savory choices such as The Blue Plate Special- a helping of sourdough bread, crispy bacon, two eggs, and home fries- and the Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich: a juicy boneless chicken thigh topped with spicy coleslaw, bread and butter pickles, and spicy Calabrian chili oil if you’d prefer.
Little Prince
Located on Prince Street, the aptly named Little Prince specializes in classic French cuisine. If you’re looking for a snug, welcoming environment with a Parisian flair, this is the place to go. Lush greenery and twinkling lights surround the restaurant’s exterior, setting the mood for your dining experience. The Brunch menu is available on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The French Onion Soup Burger is a popular go-to item for patrons! Gooey Gruyère, dijon mustard, aioli, and caramelized onions melted between two smash patties and served with hand-cut fries will please your palate. Booking a reservation is best to make the most of your visit!
Jack’s Wife Freda
Boasting 24/7 brunch options, Jack’s Wife Freda is one of SoHo’s pride and joys! The trademark pinstripe awning is hard to miss, while a red and pink floral arrangement adorns the entrance and outdoor dining area.
The restaurant’s authentic family vibe will put you at ease and make you feel cared for as soon as you walk in. The menu takes inspiration from Israeli, South African, and New York Jewish cuisine and culture, drawing on the childhoods of the founders, Jack and Freda.
Among their iconic dishes is the Rosewater Waffle, topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries, and a sweet honey syrup that leaves you reeling from the flavor explosion!
More savory selections include Jack’s Breakfast, a grilled skirt steak, two eggs served any style, roasted tomato, fingerling potatoes, pickled onions & sourdough toast. Naom’s Malva Pudding- a small African sponge cake doused in a sweet caramel pudding with whipped cream- is also a must-have for dessert.
Citizens of SoHo
Between the casual atmosphere, stellar menu, and vegetarian-friendly fare, Citizens of SoHo has quickly cemented itself on the SoHo brunch scene! Priding itself as a community space, Citizens takes advantage of its tight-knit, homey space to host an array of events such as family brunches, comedy shows, art installations, and even movie nights for everyone to enjoy!
The Australian-American-inspired selection of meals is both simple and delicious. Most notable is the satisfyingly sweet Banana Bread French Toast- maple banana bread adorned with caramelized banana and mascarpone, topped with miso butterscotch with black sesame soy powder, and garnished with mint!
Citizens also offer the Smashing Avocado: avocado on multigrain toast tossed with feta cheese, lime, and cilantro and sprinkled with pickled onion, radish pumpkin seeds, and beetroot hummus.
Ruby’s Cafe
Ruby’s Cafe is another Australian-influenced establishment offering Brunch every day until 4 p.m. that operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. The restaurant has been open since 2002, considered a neighborhood staple by locals and beloved for its rustic, laidback vibe and quick, attentive service.
Coming on a weekend afternoon or early on a weekday is ideal for beating the crowd. Ruby’s solid and healthy menu features hits like The Brontë Burger, a hand-formed beef patty with tomato, spinach, Swiss, sweet chili & mayo on toasted ciabatta, as well as morning-friendly favorites like the Breakfast Sandwich, a spicy pork sausage, fontina, chili jam, scrambled egg, pea leaves, lemon aioli served on a potato bun!
12 Chairs Cafe
A fusion of Russian and Israeli delights, 12 Chairs’ reputation spans over a decade in the South Village. The Cafe takes pride in locally sourcing all its ingredients from nearby markets, putting time and care into every dish. 12 Chairs has a warm and inviting ambiance that compliments its stand-out selection of foods!
Highly recommended menu items include the Shakshuka, two poached eggs slathered in spicy Moroccan tomato sauce and cooked and served in a skillet with a cheese of your choice, as well as the Chicken Schnitzel that’s served with mashed potatoes and honey mustard dressing. 12 Chairs doesn’t have air conditioning inside so try and dress accordingly if you visit during warmer months.
SoHo’s charm and plethora of attractions are what make it such a popular destination in the city. So the next time you’re out and about in this part of Manhattan, consider checking out these six standout restaurants! Each one will offer you a tailored dining experience that’ll be sure to leave you satisfied and smiling.
