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10 Harlem Brunch Spots to Try This Weekend

If you want to check out the heart of New York City’s thriving music and arts scene, Harlem is a great place to do it. Located in the northern part of Manhattan, it’s the home place of the “Harlem Renaissance,” where Black writers and luminaries like Countee Cullen and Alain Locke pioneered new writing and art styles.

10 Harlem Brunch Spots to Try This Weekend

Additionally, Harlem is famous for being one of the birthplaces of jazz, with the Apollo Theatre hosting greats like Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holliday, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Today you can visit the iconic Apollo Theatre, as well as other artistic Harlem highlights like El Museo del Barrio; an art museum focused on the Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean experience.

The Graffiti Hall of Fame is in Harlem, too. Attracting artists since 1980.

Harlem also has some of the best food in the city, including some great brunch items. Visit one of these 11 restaurants to have some of the best brunch in Harlem. You honestly will not be disappointed!   


Red Rooster Harlem

310 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-792-9001
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Red Rooster Harlem
Source: Red Rooster Harlem

Red Rooster Harlem is just a few blocks away from the National Jazz Museum and is a Harlem staple, especially during lunchtime.

If you’re looking for a good, honest restaurant that serves fantastic comfort food, this is the spot to go. Red Rooster Harlem buys community products and hires locally, making them a great corporate citizen as well as an excellent place to get a meal.

Their brunch is a true thing of beauty. I love their deviled eggs, cornbread, and fried chicken. You can also try out some of their signature cocktails, like the Harlem Mule or ginger beer.


Amy Ruth’s

113 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-280-8779
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Amy Ruth’s
Source: Amy Ruth’s

Amy Ruth’s is another excellent place to get comfort food just half a block away from the 116th street subway station.

Head there for brunch and fill your plate with yummy southern treasures like collard greens, chicken, macaroni and cheese, yams, and ribs.

With considerable-sized portions, a friendly staff, and a convenient location, Amy Ruth’s is one of the best restaurants in Harlem.

I love their catfish and grits. The grits are cheesy and cooked to absolute perfection, and the catfish is lightly battered, fried, and served with a fantastic sauce. Amy Ruth’s is a little slice of heaven right here on earth.


BLVD Bistro NY

2149 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-678-6200
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BLVD Bistro NY
Source: BLVD Bistro NY

If you’re looking for fantastic shrimp and grits, head to BLVD Bistro, NY, near Morningside Park. It’s one of their best brunch menu items and a personal favorite of mine.

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You can also try their fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and potato salad. If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, check out their peach macadamia nut pancakes.

One of BLVD Bistro NY’s most cherished menu items is a riff on an old favorite.

Their crab cake Benedict is absolutely to die for. The crunchy crab cake pairs perfectly with homemade hollandaise and poached eggs. 


The Edge Harlem

101 Edgecombe Ave, New York, NY 10030
Phone: 212-939-9688
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The Edge Harlem
Source: The Edge Harlem

The Edge Harlem is just a block away from St. Nicholas Park and has some of the best brunch drinks in the city. I love their hibiscus mimosas personally.

With excellent service, outdoor and indoor seating options, and an exciting menu, this restaurant really does have it all.

Their coconut fish burger is exceptional, as are their jerk chicken tacos served with jackfruit and red cabbage.

If you like fish tacos, get a few of their cod tacos to share. They come with the same toppings and are flavorful and moist.

They also do an excellent spin on chicken and waffles, pairing decadent waffles with jerk chicken and an addictive sauce.


Lido Harlem Restaurant

2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
Phone: 646-490-8575
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Lido Harlem Restaurant
Source: Lido Harlem Restaurant

A block from the Jewish Community Center, you’ll find Lido Harlem Restaurant, serving some of the best Northern Italian food outside of Little Italy.

Their dishes are inspired but simple, allowing each flavor to shine through. They also use exceptionally fresh ingredients, local produce, and organic products.

Stop in for brunch and try their eggs florentine panini with bacon, Vidalia onion, poached eggs, and plenty of rich fontina cheese.

Their chicken Caesar salad is good, too, if you’re looking for something a little lighter. Finally, I can’t get enough of their biscuits with chipotle-honey butter and their braised short rib hash.


Harlem Tavern

2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-866-4500
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Harlem Tavern
Source: Harlem Tavern

Harlem Tavern, near Morningside Park, has some of the heartiest southern-style food in the city.

In fact, their food is so authentic that you might forget that you’re in the north.

If you’re in the mood for more traditional brunch fare, Harlem Tavern is a great place to go. I always opt for the eggs benedict with either smoked salmon or ham or their steak and eggs.

This dish comes with a light salad to cut through the heaviness of the eggs and meat. 

Their brunch drinks are good too. I like their Bloody Marys and fresh mimosas.

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Angel of Harlem

2272 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-316-0350
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Angel of Harlem
Source: Angel of Harlem

Near the iconic Apollo Theater, you’ll find Angel of Harlem, a fabulous restaurant with a fun, urbane vibe and great cocktails.

Angel of Harlem is an excellent option if you’re looking for a sophisticated spot to grab brunch. Try their catfish with pesto risotto or Angel of Harlem’s signature french toast.

Their veggie flatbread is ideal for splitting with a crowd, and their burgers are hearty and cooked to perfection.

Grab one of their mimosas to wash it all down. Angel of Harlem tends to get pretty packed on the weekends, so it’s a good idea to make reservations well in advance.


Maison Harlem

341 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-222-9224
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Maison Harlem
Source: Maison Harlem

Maison Harlem is close to St. Nicholas Park and draws a large brunch crowd on the weekends. Step inside, and you’ll see why.

The staff at Maison Harlem is exceptionally knowledgeable and can answer any questions that you might have about the menu.

If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, just let them know, and they can usually customize your meal.

Additionally, the food is really on point, with particular attention paid to the presentation.

My favorites include their eggs benedict, French onion soup, and French toast. Make sure you get the herbed potatoes to go along with your meal.  


Barawine Harlem

200 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 646-756-4154
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Barawine Harlem
Source: Barawine Harlem

Barawine Harlem, near Marcus Garvey Park, is an excellent place for lunch or dinner, but it’s their brunch menu that really shines.

It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, with classic favorites like eggs florentine and Croque madame topped with a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg.

You can also take advantage of their bottomless mimosas or bellinis from noon to 4 p.m.  

One of my favorite dishes at Barawine Harlem is their Nicoise salad. It’s full of fresh tuna and vegetables and is a light and flavorful way to taste the flavors of France.

Check out their vast wine selection if you want something a little more robust to drink rather than traditional brunch beverages.


Melba’s

300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-864-7777
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Melba’s
Source: Melba’s

A few blocks from Morningside Park you’ll find Melbas, home of some of the best chicken and waffles in all of Harlem.

Their eggnog waffles and chicken wings are delectable as well. If you want something heartier, you can always go for the catfish entree, or a decadent serving of homemade macaroni and cheese.

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Melba’s does tend to get pretty crowded, especially during the weekends and the dinner rush, so it’s a good idea to make reservations.

Even if you have to wait for a few minutes, it will all be worth it, trust me. 


Corner Social

321 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-510-8552
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Corner Social
Source: Corner Social

Corner Social is right near the National Jazz Museum, and it serves up a delicious and innovative take on chicken and waffles.

Try their fried chicken and bacon waffle with honey cheesy sauce. Every bite strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Their crab benedict is good too; with crispy crab patties and perfectly poached eggs.

You can also build your own omelet with cheese, meat, and a variety of different vegetables.

If you’re craving something a little healthier, their avocado toast with poached eggs and chili will certainly do the trick. Don’t miss this great restaurant next time you’re in New York City.  


Harlem is the spot to visit for some of the best brunch food in the city. Whether you’re enjoying deviled eggs or fried chicken at Harlem’s famous Red Rooster, or enjoying comfort food with a tropical twist at the Edge Harlem, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic New York City district. 

Next time you want to take a break from sightseeing, check out one of these mouthwatering classic restaurants. Is there a Harlem hidden gem that we’ve missed? Let us know what your favorite place to eat in this neighborhood is in the comments below. Thank you for reading!

Looking for other great places to eat in Harlem? Click here to check out our list of the best restaurants in the area.

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Written by Kyle Green

Kyle lives never passes up the opportunity to try a new restaurant. As a former New Yorker of 7 years, he enjoys regular trips to NYC to visit friends and enjoys all the restaurants and activities the city have to offer. He also spends time on the road tasting and reviewing other restaurant scenes around the country.