From eggs benedict to french toast to mimosas, brunch maybe not be the most important meal of the day, but it’s certainly the most fun! Jersey City is serving up some of the best brunch and brunch experiences the area has to offer from beautiful outdoor dining to epic drag performances. We’ve created the ultimate guide to brunch in Jersey City based on the range of food, ambiance, and deals to choose from.
Ambiance
Beechwood Cafe + Market | 290 Grove Street
With an extensive weekend/weekday menu, Beechwood Cafe serves classic breakfast and lunch staples and is known for its freshness and variety. The ambiance is laid back and has great outdoor seating options available.
Cafe Peanut | 586 Newark Avenue
This charming cafe offers just that, a charming environment designed after a European cafe, where the owners are from, to enjoy tasty brunch dishes including a vegan breakfast burrito, bagels, paninis, and more.
Chickie’s JC | 236 Pavonia Avenue
View this post on Instagram
This Hamilton Park newcomer hits all the right notes. With an Italian menu, a creative cocktail list, and a neighborhood vibe, brunch here feels upscale but laid-back at the same time. We like the outdoor seating, reminiscent of a European cafe, and the brunch menu, which includes a breakfast pizza. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM – 4PM.
Frankie | 264 Grove Street
Frankie is a stylish Australian eatery located on the corner of Grove Street in Jersey City. The ambiance is laid-back and welcoming, and the brunch menu is as creative as the decor found throughout the space. Diners can find Australian staples here like Vegemite and a Tim Tam milkshake.
Fox + Crow | 594 Palisade Avenue
The vibe of Fox + Crow is hard to beat with assorted art found all over, colorful chairs outside, and a stage displayed for live music by its large bar. The wine list is extensive, as well as the beer list. A weekday happy hour is also offered, which includes $2-off draft and $1-off bottles. The brunch menu is definitely something to talk about, serving up avocado toast, burritos, and much more. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Harry’s Daughter | 339 Communipaw Avenue
Harry’s Daughter provides a unique ambiance with a Caribbean-inspired vibe found throughout. Most of the drinks come in pretty, tropical glasses including some frozen cocktails, and the food comes displayed in an ornate way, channeling Caribbean vibes. The menu will leave you raving about the freshness and variety offered. The outdoor seating is laid-back but fun, with colorful benches scattered throughout.
Hamilton Pork | 247 10th Street
View this post on Instagram
Brunch at Hamilton Pork is probably one of the better-kept secrets in town, and not just because BBQ is an unexpected yet delicious choice, but because this spot serves brunch on Saturdays, Sundays, and every Monday holiday. Yes: stretch out that long weekend by enjoying brunch on a bonus day off. The brunch menu is a blend of the BBQ classics and classic dishes from other cuisines. There are breakfast tacos and a Chinese-inspired chicken and waffles dish. Classic breakfast cocktails are on the menu as well, including mimosas, Bloody Mary or Maria, and a margarita made with orange juice.
Lokal | 2 2nd Street
Lokal boasts Michelin-trained Chef, Walter Donadio, who serves up must-try dishes in a gorgeous ambiance featured by the Manhattan skyline. This is the perfect spot for a large gathering, an Instagrammable design, and a delicious brunch meal.
Madame | 390 4th Street
Photo Credit: Nick Gagliano
This modern French bistro and cocktail parlor is the perfect spot when it comes to brunch. Madame has a special brunch menu that presents different food and drink options. Under their “First” section, they have food choices like oysters, a market salad, grilled garlic shrimp, and more. Moving to their “Second” section, there’s avocado toast, challah French toast, steak + eggs, and more. Its brunch cocktails shouldn’t be missed as there are selections of Overnight Celebrity, Rose Marie, Brunch in Paris, Lady Antoinette, and Framboise Delight. Their brunch hours are from 10AM to 3PM.
Sam AM | 112 Morris Street
View this post on Instagram
Sam AM is a staple in the breakfast and brunch scene in Jersey City. The daily menu changes seasonally and the ingredients are sourced locally. The cappuccinos are made with coffee roasted that week and milk that was milked the day before from Battenkill cows.
Snapdragon Coffee + Social | 190 Monticello Avenue
This cozy coffee shop is the perfect spot for a low-key, casual brunch. This stylish cafe serves up all sorts of delicious breakfast items like pastries and quiches. It is the perfect spot to bring a book or laptop, to relax and enjoy some fresh food and a good cup of coffee. Popup events also occur here frequently, like art shows and music events, which adds an element of fun to any weekend plan.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Hoboken + Jersey City
Skinner’s Loft | 146 Newark Avenue
Skinner’s Loft is an American Bistro located in Jersey City that has cozy and welcoming vibes with great portion sizes and an eclectic outdoor seating option. The menu is wide-ranging and full of tasty choices, as well as a drink menu to choose from.
Large Parties + Outdoor Seating
Porta | 135 Newark Avenue
Porta is a fan-favorite in New Jersey with two locations in Asbury Park and Jersey City. The Jersey City location has mastered the art of outdoor seating with a large rooftop space ideal for a Springtime brunch. There is also sidewalk seating available, which is a great option that provides lots of room for groups and gatherings, and an ambiance that is laid-back and fun. Porta is known for its brick-oven pizza, perfectly crispy, with a wide variety of toppings to choose from, ideal for splitting with a large group.
The Hutton Bar + Grill | 225 Hutton Street
The Hutton Bar + Grill, located in Jersey City, offers patrons a cozy bar, a great brunch menu, along with many other cocktails with interesting names, like Jersey City Donkey and Rosemary’s Baby, to name a few. The menu includes all the most popular brunch food items, like a hangover sandwich, eggs benedict, and burgers. Inside, the bar is extensive and welcoming, and there is seating throughout, as well as a large outdoor space, with heaters if needed.
The Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue
The Kitchen Step is a local sit-down favorite in Jersey City, serving up modern American dishes, and an inventive brunch menu. The cocktail list is simple but touches on all of the classic brunch picks. The outdoor seating is compact and cozy, and the indoor space is large enough for bigger parties, just make sure to call ahead!
Amelia’s Bistro | 187 Warren Street
Amelia’s Bistro has a huge outdoor seating area, perfect for larger parties, as well as private rooms available, just make sure to contact them before in order to plan ahead. The brunch is offered from 10AM-3PM on Saturday and Sunday, and you can find your classic brunch staples here, including a large list of cocktails and $4 mimosas.
Jersey Social | 837 Jersey Avenue
Jersey Social recently relaunched its brunch service with a refreshed food and beverage menu. On Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30AM – 3PM, Jersey Social serves up a classic brunch menu and cocktail list great for a large party.
The Cottage | 136 Monticello Avenue
View this post on Instagram
The Cottage serves breakfast every day starting at 6AM, and the Insta-worthy patio out back is worth waking up for. Most of the menu is made fresh in-house using family recipes, and there are plenty of sweet or savory options to choose from. The Cottage serves Kobrick Coffee, Doughnut Plant Donuts, and breads from Balthazar Bakery – all local favorites. The back patio is a wonderful place to bring a book and enjoy a leisurely morning.
BYOB
Mezcal Kitchen | 665 Newark Avenue
Mezcal Kitchen is located in Journal Square in Jersey City, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine, a laid-back atmosphere, and friendly staff. The menu is extensive, with fresh items to choose from, like guacamole, nachos, tacos of all kinds, and even burgers. It is BYOB, so feel free to bring alcohol to enjoy with the amazing menu items.
Cafe Dolma | 270 Grand Street
Cafe Dolma is known as a “hidden gem” in Jersey City, but once found, its charming atmosphere and inventive menu make it hard to forget. Serving Turkish dishes, its creative menu creates a spin on brunch items, using fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. Egg sandwiches are served on ciabatta and croissants, and healthy, hearty additives can be found throughout. Feel free to bring some alcohol and enjoy the patio seating, optimal for nice weather.
Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue
View this post on Instagram
This cozy spot in The Heights offers everything a person could need to ease into the weekend. Brunch is served from 12PM to 3PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and includes Corto’s hand-rolled pasta as well as seasonal dishes featuring locally grown produce, such as soups and salads. Better yet, the backyard seating is as comfortable as your own but without the required maintenance. BYO favorite bottle for a relaxed, delicious experience.
The Franklin | 159 New York Avenue
Located in The Heights, The Franklin serves up a wide-ranging brunch menu, touching on all of the best brunch dishes, like eggs benedict and ricotta pancakes. It is BYOB, so feel free to bring alcohol if you are in the mood or enjoy the freshly brewed coffee and juices on the menu.
Central Bistro | 403 Central Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Central Bistro stays true to its name, as it’s located in central Jersey City, and it serves up all the brunch staples and a great ambiance to boot. The BYOB is a favored component of the brunch, as well as the reasonable prices and delicious food.
Good Cocktails
Mathews | 351 Grove Street
View this post on Instagram
The interesting cocktail menu at Mathew’s has gathered a lot of attention, making it a fan favorite among patrons. Along with the diverse cocktail menu options, the presentation {and taste} of the drinks are enduring. The 80’s Glam cocktail is worth a mention, which includes edible glitter, pairing well with its delicious brunch menu.
Tamborim | 130 Newark Avenue
This Brazilian eatery serves up original cocktails, presented in pretty glasses and colorful garnishes, which matches its lively and bold ambiance. Along with the cocktails, popular beer from Brazil is also an option on the menu, along with authentic Brazilian dishes.
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard
View this post on Instagram
Battello is an elegant and rustic spot, serving up brunch items and a lengthy cocktail list, which are served as pretty as the NYC views offered here. You can go fancier with the menu items, like a seafood tower, or keep it simple with avocado toast. Either way, the cocktails are diverse and satisfy all types of alcohol preferences.
Rumba Cubana | 235 Pavonia Avenue
Rumba Cubana is a Cuban restaurant, exceptional in creating authentic Cuban dishes, and the drinks are no exception. With a ton of different mojito flavors to choose from, as well as classic Cuban drinks, frozen cocktails, margaritas, and much more, there is really something for everyone to enjoy {and rave about}.
Brunch Deals
Ed + Marys | 174 Coles Street
View this post on Instagram
Ed + Mary’s is a neighborhood favorite in Jersey City, fitting for a cozy brunch with friends. Serving up pub grub and a full bar, patrons can relax outside or in, and try all of the cocktails that are available, as well as a considerable beer list, on tap. $20 beer flights are purchasable, as well as Tallboy cans and to-go cocktails.
The Hamilton Inn | 708 Jersey Avenue
Day drinking can be done in an affordable way at The Hamilton Inn, with $8 mimosas, screwdrivers, bloody mary’s, and margaritas offered on Saturdays and Sundays 10AM – 4PM. Located in Jersey City, this eatery is perfect to visit with a group of friends or family, since the deal is reasonable, and the menu is lengthy.
Fire + Oak | 479 Washington Boulevard
View this post on Instagram
The best part about the brunch at Fire & Oak is the ability to order a bottle of champagne for the table, for $25, which also includes juices to choose from in order to create personalized mimosas. The brunch cocktails are also affordable, as well as the dishes which vary from French toast to steaks.
Satis Bistro | 212 Washington Street
Satis Bistro is a rustic joint, with beautiful high ceilings and decor throughout, perfect if you want to kick up your casual brunch up a notch. There are $5 brunch beverages offered on Saturday and Sunday, which is ideal for any occasion.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
Brunch with skyline views is most definitely a highlight of the Rooftop at Exchange Place. On Saturdays + Sundays from 11AM to 3PM, it’s served alongside crafted cocktails and a tapas-style menu — complete with said views. Rooftop at Exchange also has twists on classic brunch dishes, including B.E.C. Stuffed Biscuits, Crab Cake Bruschetta, and Chicken + Waffle Poutine.
Bar-Bites
Corkscrew Bar + Grill | 61 Congress Street
Corkscrew Bar + Grill is your classic low-key bar, serving up bar-bites in a casual setting. This spot is perfect to satisfy a burger or wing craving, along with a variety of beers and drinks to choose from.
White Star Bar | 230 Brunswick Street
With two locations in Jersey City to choose from, White Star Bar gives patrons lots of options, from its all-day menu, which offers classic bar-bites like craft burgers, to the brunch menu, which serves brunch cocktails and focuses more on breakfast food. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 12PM – 4PM and the patio is open until 12 am on weekends.
Breakfast Classics
Buddy’s | 247 Washington Street
Pancakes are a brunch must, and Buddy’s has fully grasped the meaning of the perfect pancake. Not only that, but it has elevated the game with a stuffed cereal pancake, perfect for kids {and let’s be real, adults, too}. This pancake brings nostalgia to patrons, with all of the classic cereals that are loved to choose from.
Miss America Diner | 322 West Side Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Miss America Diner takes patrons back in time, with an old-school diner feel found throughout the ambiance. This old-fashioned eatery is perfect for a weekend brunch, offering classic breakfast foods, and home-style cooking.
See More: Outdoor Dining in the Rain: A Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City
City Diner | 31 Montgomery Street
City Diner takes the classic diner and spruces it up, with a unique and welcoming vibe. The best part of all is the all-day breakfast that is served, along with cocktails that can be enjoyed during a laid-back brunch.
Life Pancake Company | 426 Jersey Avenue
Formerly known as Brownstone Diner, Life Pancake Company specializes in fluffy, buttermilk pancakes, which has always been a staple of the establishment. Aside from pancakes, there are also breakfast classics on the renovated menu, which has been expanded to touch on brunch options.
Vegan + Gluten-Free Options
Plant Base | 370 Pacific Avenue
Located near Liberty State Park, Plant Base is a zero-waste vegan market, offering comfort food, like pizza and mac and cheese, that is refreshing, and 100% plant-based. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere is as comforting as the food, which is created with the customer’s health in mind. There are smoothies, juices, tea, and probiotics, that are grab-and-go options, as well as indoor dining that is laid-back and welcoming.
Tea NJ | 262 Newark Avenue
Tea NJ is a family-owned Vegan-friendly spot found on Newark Ave. in Jersey City. Patrons rave about the vegan food options, with an eclectic and relaxed, ambiance and a variety of brunch items to choose from. Coffee and tea are popular here, serving lattes, matcha, and cider. Although this is not the place to order a cocktail, its vegan smoothies are a refreshing, healthy alternative.
The Cliff | 38 Congress Street
The Cliff is a Jersey City favorite, serving up vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, sourced with the intention of unprocessed foods in mind. There is something for everyone on the menu, with American and European influences found throughout. The tofu scrambled platter is a fan favorite, along with a breakfast burrito with the option to have tofu, instead of eggs. The coffee is made of robust blends, and BYOB is allowed.
Subia’s Vegan Cafe | 506 Jersey Avenue
This Vegan cafe offers chill vibes, with a sidewalk patio and a menu that focuses on Vegan-friendly options, along with healthy juices and smoothies. There are also a ton of gluten-free options on the menu, as well as vegetarian components, making it welcoming for all.
