Jenny Schecher 
From eggs Benedict to French toast to mimosas, brunch may not be the most important meal of the day, but it’s certainly the most fun. Jersey City is home to 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.
Boots + Bones | 116 Newark Avenue
While most people think of a night out at Boots and Bones, its brunch menu is worth a look. Traditional brunch items like breakfast tacos, fried chicken, and waffles join BBQ classics like ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken wings. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 3:30PM.
Cafe Alyce | 641 Montgomery Street
There’s really something for everyone on the menu at Cafe Alyce. For brunch traditionalists, many favorites include a breakfast burrito or corned beef hash. For those wanting to try something new, check out the bulgogi breakfast skillet or curried lamb and yams. Sandwiches, salads, and an enormous à la carte menu round out the delicious choices. And a shareable cinnamon roll is an unforgettable way to start off, or end, the meal. This restaurant is in a building that was a longtime luncheonette for the nearby medical center, and the exposed brick and charming interior are an elegant nod to its past.
Cafe Peanut | 586 Newark Avenue
This charming cafe offers just that: a charming environment designed after a European cafe. The owners took inspiration from their European roots to create this space, where guests can enjoy tasty brunch dishes, including a vegan breakfast burrito, bagels, paninis, and more.
Chickie’s JC | 236 Pavonia Avenue
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This Hamilton Park spot 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.
Felina Steak | 2 Chapel Avenue
Brunch is available on Sundays at this waterfront spot. The incredible steaks that guests are used to at dinner are transformed into classic brunch entrees such as steak and eggs, meatballs, and burgers. The Insta-worthy skyline views are the finishing touches for a meal at this special place.
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.
Hamilton Pork | 247 10th Street
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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. Classic breakfast cocktails are on the menu as well, including mimosas, Bloody Mary or Maria, and a margarita made with orange juice.
Lighthorse Tavern | 199 Washington Street
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This spacious spot has been a part of the neighborhood fabric of Paulus Hook since its opening in 2002. The brunch menu features many of the incredible seafood choices that Lighthorse is known for, such as fresh oysters, clams, and mixed seafood platters. The brunch menu has egg-forward classics like eggs Benedict and omelets, plus more lunch-ish choices like sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The full bar makes its cocktails with fresh-squeezed juice, taking the Mimosa to a new level.
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 for 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. The brunch hours are from 10AM to 3PM.
Maritime Parc | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive
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Brunch is available on Sundays from 11AM to 2:30PM at this iconic spot. The menu has classics like a feta cheese frittata alongside Maritime Parc’s signature seafood offerings, like the lobster mac and cheese. This unforgettable spot is just the place for a special brunch out.
Saigon Bistro | 514 Central Avenue
At this spot, guests can indulge in a Vietnamese brunch, which includes menu items like Vietnamese spring rolls, steamed dumplings, sugarcane shrimp, pho house specialty noodle soup, pad thai, shaken cubed steak, and a banh mi sandwich.
Sam AM | 112 Morris Street
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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 add 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.
87 Sussex | 87 Sussex Street
87 Sussex is a charming gourmet restaurant specializing in American fare. Guests can expect a top-notch menu and an ambiance that gives off all the cozy vibes. See the brunch menu here, which includes homemade Pop-Tarts, a lobster benny, French toast cocktails, and more.
Large Parties + Outdoor Seating
Brightside Tavern | 141 Bright Street
The only thing better than brunch is brunch served every day, as is the case at Brightside Tavern, where brunch is available daily from 9AM to 4PM. The menu has sweet and savory classics such as pancakes and omelets, plus sandwiches and wraps. We like the big outdoor patio for a leisurely afternoon of people-watching and cocktail-sipping.
La Milpa Taqueria | 45 Franklin Street
La Milpa Taqueria opened earlier this year and has an adorable backyard patio that warrants a spot on this list. The taqueria is from the same team behind The Franklin and offers a small but mighty selection of tacos. It’s also BYOB, making it a great option for a budget-friendly boozy brunch. HG pro tip: don’t skip the flautas. They are so good.
Low Fidelity | 328 Palisade Avenue
The sunny and spacious patio at Low Fidelity is a great spot for brunch. The menu has creative cocktails made with distinctive ingredients. The Detroit-style pizza on the menu includes a selection of variations to choose from, as well as delicious salads, sides, sandwiches, and rice bowl options.
Maddy Rose | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
For a fancier meal along the Hudson, check out the substantial brunch menu at Liberty House’s Maddy Rose Restaurant every weekend, which includes a raw bar, Sicilian meatballs, apple cider pancakes, and roasted salmon, among other dishes. Pair with a fancy cocktail, and don’t forget to snap some pics in the beautiful back garden area.
Maxwell Alley | 12 Coles Street
Maxwell Alley serves a menu of world-class food, coffee creations from Butler Café, and weekend brunch. HG reccomends that patrons enjoy their meals outdoors on the restaurant’s patio, which boasts ample shaded seating.
Porta | 135 Newark Avenue
Porta is a fan-favorite in New Jersey with two other locations in Asbury Park and Montclair. 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.
South House | 149 Newark Avenue
Brunch tacos? Yes please. Options include brisket and eggs, glazed bacon with eggs, Bessy’s fried chicken, and bean + cheese. This Texas-inspired spot will have guests feeling like they’ve taken a trip out of Hudson County. Even the eggs Benedict are on-theme: options include brisket, fried tomato, and crab cakes. This chic spot has also been the site of recent movie filmings, so keep an eye out for who else may be dining there.
Roman Nose | 125 Newark Avenue
This lively spot on the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza offers an Italian twist on classic brunch offerings. One of our favorites is the Pizza all’Uovo, with two baked eggs, prosciutto, bechamel, mozzarella, scallion, and pecorino. House-made pasta dishes join the salads, paninis, and pizzas offered. There are gluten-free options available as well.
The Hutton Bar + Grill | 225 Hutton Street
The Hutton Bar + Grill, located in Jersey City, offers patrons a cozy bar, a great brunch menu, and 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 Table | 400 Claremont Avenue
Chef Daniel Latham, formerly of Latham House, opened The Table in late 2023 and brought his classic recipes with him. The brunch menu includes salads and sandwiches, which complement the core of the brunch menu, which features items such as a smoked salmon benedict and the ridiculous egg sandwich. The bar serves up Bellinis and Mimosas with some fun takes on the classics, like the Mediterranean Mimosa made with blood orange juice.
Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive
It’s hard to pick our favorite thing about brunch at this beer hall: the mimosas served by the carafe, the customizable Bloody Mary, the live music nearly every weekend, or the huge menu? The brunch menu is available on Sundays from 12PM to 3PM, and features a variety of egg Benedict dishes, omelettes, and other classics. The restaurant’s brew hall vibes make appearances on the brunch menu too, from the toasted pretzel croutons on the Caesar salad to the chicken schnitzel breakfast sandwich.
BYOB
Ahri’s Kitchen | 227 7th Street
This spot is known for its cozy ambiance and delicious food. Located just steps from Hamilton Park, Ahri’s Kitchen has been a neighborhood favorite for a long time. Vegetable dumplings, noodle rolls, and Korean ramen soup are a must-try to pair with the liquor of your choosing, as it is BYOB as well.
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.
Carol Ann’s Table | 333 Palisade Avenue
Carol Ann’s Table is a cozy BYOB restaurant serving up a small, curated menu. Located on Palisade Avenue, the brunch menu includes options like omlettes, mac + cheese, and more.
Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue
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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.
Central Bistro | 403 Central Avenue
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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.
Itto Sushi | 239 Barrow Street
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This sushi spot specializes in Japanese and Korean cuisine and serves up rolls, teriyaki, and bento boxes, as well as bibimbap bowls, bulgogi, soft tofu soup, and galbi-jjim. It’s just a short walk from Van Vorst Park.
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.
One Dee Siam | 137 Newark Avenue
This Thai spot on the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza serves delicious Thai dishes such as noodles, curry, salads, and spring rolls. Wine, rum, beer, and more can be up to diners’ choices when it comes to the BYOB option.
Pinwheel Garden Dumpling + Noodle Bar | 318 Communipaw Avenue
This family-owned restaurant serves a twist on Asian-American cuisine by using ingredients and flavors from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, and China, to name a few. It is a BYOB restaurant and also vegan-friendly.
Rustique Pizza | 611 Jersey Avenue
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This family-run pizzeria serves brick-oven pizza, homemade bread, beautiful salads, and classic Italian dishes. There are several vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. This BYOB spot is a great place to try classic pizzas or creative combinations such as the grilled chicken pizza or the Mike, with truffle honey, prosciutto di Parma, roasted garlic oil, and pepperoncino flakes.
Short Grain | 183 Montgomery Street
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This spot is across the street from Jersey City Hall and offers brunch with a Vietnamese flavor. Guests will find items such as an egg and pate banh mi alongside fresh spring rolls and savory salads. A noteworthy menu item here is the green eggs and spam; eggs served with salsa verde, toast, and spam. There are many vegetarian-friendly options here. Coffee options include classics like lattes and cappuccinos, and Vietnamese coffee, offered hot and cold. A fresh juice bar rounds out the options.
Taqueria Downtown | 236 Grove Street
Taqueria Downtown is a go-to spot when looking for a Mexican food fix. Besides serving classic Mexican dishes like tacos, flautas, and enchiladas, their drink menu has choices like mimosas + sangria on the weekends for brunch. BYOB is also an option to amp up a night out.
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.
Uncle Momo | 289 Grove Street
This French-Lebanese bistro is directly across from the Jersey City Hall in downtown Jersey City. Guests can BYOB to accompany the brunch menu, with items such as moussaka, shawarma, savory crepes + more. Reserve your outdoor dining table by booking on the website.
Good Cocktails
Mathews | 351 Grove Street
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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 is enduring. The ’80s Glam cocktail is worth a mention, which includes edible glitter, pairing well with its delicious brunch menu.
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard
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Battello is an elegant and rustic spot, serving up brunch items and a lengthy cocktail list, which are 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.
dullboy | 364 Grove Street
The drink menu at this bar and restaurant includes all kinds of fun options, such as “the Betty,” a signature cocktail made with tequila, mezcal, beets, plum, goat cheese, herb de Provence, cacao, and lemon. Dullbody also provides a food menu that features options like chicken meatball skewers, pulled chicken empanadas, shrimp tostada, and more.
Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue
This cocktail bar and restaurant can make for a great brunch option. Guests can pick from items off the lunch menu, which includes lunch cocktails like The Garibaldi, made with caffo red bitter and fluffy cara cara orange juice, and Yuzu Spritz, made with yuzu sake, Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water. The menu also features various food options like the Whipped Ricotta, which includes homemade ricotta, pepperonata, and pinsa bread.
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
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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 available, as well as a considerable beer list on tap.
Food Hall Cafe | 130 Monticello Avenue
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Food Hall Cafe serves organic breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, like egg + cheese sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, and more. This spot is also known for its muffins and other baked goods.
The Hamilton Inn | 708 Jersey Avenue
Day drinking can be done in an affordable way at The Hamilton Inn, with $9 mimosas, screwdrivers, and $8 Bloody Marys, Greyhounds, 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
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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 spot, 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 midnight 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.
Cafe Con Rumba | 564 Newark Avenue
Owned by the teams behind Rumba Cubana and Chango Kitchen, this brunch spot serves up classic Cuban fare. On the menu, diners can find sandwiches, salads, tacos, omelets, protein shakes, and more. There are also daily specials, including a breakfast special featuring a latte and toast.
Miss America Diner | 322 West Side Avenue
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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.
RUN/Café | 1000 Garfield Avenue
Photo Credit: Run Cafe
Made for runners by runners, RUN/Café is a fitness refueling station, wellness space, and eatery affiliated with The Grind. Located in Berry Lane Park, the menu features classic breakfast dishes, including artisan breakfast sandwiches.
Vegan + Gluten-Free Options
Busy Bee Organics | 451 Palisade Avenue
Busy Bee is a 100% gluten-free and plant-forward eatery. The Palisade Avenue cafe has a cute little outdoor seating area right out front, with a few picnic tables and chairs. Swap a mimosa for one of the organic juices, and be sure to try the vegan BEC or Lentil Meatball Parm.
Gaia and Loki | 346 Grove Street
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Brunch is served here on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 3PM, and its 100% vegan. Sandwiches, scrambles, waffles, soups, salads, and parfaits are all available and all vegan. BYOB is available to pair with the classic vegan + vegetarian dishes Gaia and Loki cook up.
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.
