The Best Brunch Spots in New Jersey: 2023 Edition is written by Molly Gregor.
Just about everyone loves a good brunch outing. What’s not to like? It’s the perfect combination of everyone’s favorite lunch and breakfast dishes. Typically, the meal is enjoyed with family and friends, not to mention a cocktail and some good conversation. Lucky for us, NJ is full of great spots to enjoy brunch.
Whether you’re looking for a casual morning out or something more upscale, New Jersey has a brunch restaurant for everyone.
Read on to find the best spots for enjoying brunch in the Garden State.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best Brunch Spot near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Grand Lux Cafe
Where: 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd, Paramus
Details: For folks who need a break from weekend shopping at the mall, Grand Lux Cafe serves many brunch favorites. The weekend brunch menu includes classics like Huevos Rancheros and Fried Chicken and Waffles, in addition to unique options. For instance, they serve Short Rib Benedict, a Breakfast Quesadilla, plus a variety of signature pancakes and French toast. Their DeLux Breakfast Sandwich is a popular pick, with Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Grilled Tomato, Havarti Cheese, and Mayo. Other flavorful favorites include Cinnamon-Caramel Banana Pancakes to the Grand Lux Café French Toast. The latter is thick slices of Brioche bread with Maple Butter syrup and optional sides like bacon, ham, fresh strawberries.
Why I Like it: Grand Lux Cafe offers six brunch-time exclusive cocktails like the Rosé Spritz and Spicy Mary.
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1776 by David Burke
Where: Morristown
Details: This modern restaurant features a Sunday brunch with a packed menu of both familiar and interesting options. For instance, there aren’t many brunch spots with General Tso’s broccoli and cauliflower or sushi on their menu. Of course, their exclusive brunch cocktails are also a highlight. Choices include the Betsy Ross, Passionfruit Mimosa, and 1776 Bloody Mary. The latter includes Ketel One vodka, tomato juice, and a special blend of spices.
Amanda’s Restaurant
Where: Hoboken
Details: Amanda’s is a staple of Hoboken, in operation for over 30 years. The restaurant offers both indoor dining and outdoor dining along the sidewalk. They regularly host live music as well, with some acts playing outdoors right in front of the building. As for their brunch menu, they serve cocktails, sides, and favorites like the Belgian Waffle with Bananas; this signature dish comes with dulce de leche syrup and whipped cream, topped with walnuts.
Butter & Jam
Where: Madison
Details: This popular eatery in Madison serves breakfast staples and other favorites. Options include avocado toast, vanilla buttermilk pancakes, fresh-baked pastries, and coffee. Their weekend brunch menu combines their breakfast and lunch menus. Standouts include Ahi Tuna Tartare Wontons, Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles, and Louisiana Style Shrimp and Grits. Seating is limited at this spot, however, the bakery side of the restaurant offers carry-out.
The Cardinal Cafe
Where: Pompton Lakes
Details: The Cardinal Cafe features daily lunch specials, a soup of the day, and an expansive breakfast menu. Their variety of signature specials includes the Cheesesteak Omelet, which comes with sliced steak, cheese, peppers, and onions. They also have the Veggie Couscous Bowl with spinach, mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli, onion, sweet potatoes, and egg. But we recommend the French Toast Sandwich, packed with two eggs, cheese, and Taylor ham.
Cloveberry
Where: Sparta
Details: Cloveberry offers breakfast every day, and a special Sunday menu as well. Their Sunday brunch offers sandwiches, soups, light bites, and more. In particular, they have options like the Vegan Breakfast with chickpea “eggs,” avocado, tomatoes, vegan cheese, spinach, and cashew spread. Their smaller menu allows Cloveberry to focus on perfecting every dish. They also serve a number of classic, frozen, seasonal, and signature drinks.
Country Café
Where: Franklin Lakes
Details: This cafe has been a go-to spot in Bergen County for decades. Country Cafe claims to be the “the best breakfast in town,” and most patrons agree. In particular, locals love how they get the little things right, like delicious home fries, crispy bacon, and great coffee. Typical morning meals feature their signature home-style egg platters, which guests can customize to their liking. Popular menu items include the Taylor ham omelet and baked apple pancakes.
Farmhouse Café & Eatery
Where: Cresskill | Westwood
Details: The Farmhouse Cafe is appropriately named and intentionally designed to look like a, well, farmhouse. This means the restaurant features lots of detailed wood design, exposed beams, farming tools, and even vintage posters. They are closed on Mondays (both locations), but otherwise offer breakfast and brunch daily from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. The classic Farmhouse Breakfast is always a hit, but they also serve options like Shakshouka.
Kitchen Step
Where: Jersey City
Details: This neighborhood bistro offers a modern twist on brunch every weekend from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Brioche French Toast and Nutella Swirl Pancakes are found alongside Crispy Fish Tacos and Prosciutto and Ricotta Bruschetta. Cocktails include the Kitchen Step Bloody, Mimosas, and an Orange-Beer-sicle. Reservations suggested.
Le Pancake Cafe
Where: Ridgewood
Details: Brunch is all day every day at Le Pancake Cafe. The Fine Dining Pancake Restaurant serves breakfast as well as other exotic options like grilled lobster. Of course, they have an assortment of pancakes like Apple Cinnamon, Banana, Oreo, and the Heavenly Coconut Body. The menu also includes crepes in both sweet and savory flavors as well as waffles, French toast, and eggs/omelettes. Eggs Benedict fans can order them in five different styles.
Main Street Cafe
Where: Hackettstown
Details: This family business serves authentic, 100% Colombian beverages, dishes, and pastries. They are open daily and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their morning menu includes omelets like the signature Colombian Omelet with sweet plantain, ham, and cheese. Meanwhile, the Main Street Breakfast Sampler comes with sausage, bacon, eggs, and fries. Their dessert menu offers Tres Leches, Mousse, and Carrot Cake, as well as custom cakes.
Sorriso Kitchen
Where: Chatham
Details: This sport serves farm-to-table brunch all day Tuesday through Sunday with both indoor and outdoor seating. Their creative breakfast menu uses homemade pancake batter, artisan maple syrup, free-range eggs, homemade sausage, and smoked bacon cubes: not to mention produce from local farms. Sorriso Kitchen is also noteworthy because they close the restaurant to the public every Monday and teach job training skills to special needs students.
Summer & Autumn Cafe
Where: Lodi
Details: Summer & Autumn Cafe is open seven days a week. Patrons with a healthy appetite can order the Starvin’ Marvin, a large portion of pancakes or French Toast with sides. Another standout entree is the Brunch Board, with pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, and fried chicken. For dessert, they offer NY Cheese Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, and more. The menu is always evolving thanks to fresh supplies of locally sourced ingredients.
Sweet Basil’s Cafe & Grill
Where: Livingston
Details: Sweet Basil’s prides itself on fresh, never frozen produce and 100% hormone-free meat. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it’s their brunch that really stands out. In particular, their signature French Toasts like Poached Pear Vanilla Bean, Banana Pecan, and Blueberry Stuffed are big hits. Their many pancake varieties include Whiskey “R&B” Pancakes, with whiskey-soaked raisins, caramelized bananas, and pomegranate caramel sauce on top.
Willow & Whisk
Where: Wyckoff
Details: Willow & Whisk offers fresh ingredients, an elevated culinary experience, and brunch all day, every day. The chic, rustic décor attracts foodies of all kinds, but their menu is what keeps patrons coming back. Popular picks include the Raspberry Coulis Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Frittata Bites, and a So-Cal Breakfast Bowl. They also have a kids’ menu, plus gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options. They do not accept same-day reservations.
Central Jersey
Orchard Park by David Burke
Where: 670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick
Details: Orchard Park is already a popular spot for dinner and brunch. But it’s gotten even better with their expansive and luxurious outdoor dining experience called Orchard Terrace. This terrace offers world-class al-fresco dining in an airy structure that protects patrons from the elements. Their Sunday Brunch menu features appetizers including Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Lobster Dumplings, and Chef Burke’s signature Clothesline Bacon. Meanwhile, some popular main dishes are Fried Chicken and Waffles, Giant Cornbread Pancakes, and their Titanic French Toast. The latter is topped with berries, whipped mascarpone, cigarette wafers, and maple butter. The food menu pairs perfectly with any of their signature brunch cocktails.
Why I Like it: Orchard Park’s brunch is a triple threat, with great food, outdoor dining, and a lovely view.
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Rat’s Restaurant
Where: 16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton
Details: You’ll find this award-winning brunch spot at the beautiful Grounds for Sculpture. Rat’s offers a unique dining experience amid Impressionist-inspired sculptures, complete with a Monet-inspired bridge and lily pond. Their signature brunch cocktails are purposefully crafted to pair with their menu; which includes seasonal salads, artisanal cheeses, chilled seafood & raw bar items, homemade soups, and more. Popular dishes include Foie Gras toast and the plant-based Marsala roasted cauliflower. Meanwhile, craft cocktails favorites range from the Zombie to the Oak & Smoked Negroni. Their roasted duck breast and classic Croque Monsieur — with sliced brioche, bechamel, smoked ham, and gruyere — are also a hit.
Why I Like it: Besides brunch with a view, Rat’s also hosts a private seven course Chef’s Tasting experience.
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Tap & Bitters
Where: 200 Liberty Corner Rd, Warren
Details: Tap & Bitters brings the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to life in both their cuisine and signature cocktails. Their New Orleans-inspired menu brings the heart of the Big Easy to Central Jersey. Of course, the spotlight at this spot shines brightest on their drink menu. Their beer and libations list includes IPAs, lagers, and stouts, all locally-brewed for maximum flavor. Draft beers include local favorites like Three 3’s, Asbury Park Brewery, and Jersey Cyclone. They even offer beers brewed in NOLA. Their brunch menu serves unique twists such as BLT Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Casserole, and Eggs Purgatory; the latter features eggs baked in cast iron in spiced tomato sauce, anchovies, grated Parmesan, and melted mozzarella.
Why I Like it: With Cajun and New Orleans favorites, the menu features just the right amount of fire and flavor.
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Blue Cafe
Where: Basking Ridge
Details: The Blue Cafe offers all-day breakfast and lunch Tuesdays through Sundays. They use local ingredients to make unique items such as Blintzes and Ricotta lemon pancakes. They also have a kids’ menu with choices like Nutella French toast and burgers. Favorites for adults range from the Warsaw Skillet and Chicken Schnitzel to the Blue Cafe Plate. The latter combines potato and cheese pierogies, potato pancakes, Pulaski kielbasa, and sauerkraut.
The Committed Pig
Where: Summit | Manasquan | Morristown
Details: The Committed Pig serves signature burgers, breakfasts, and more across three NJ locations. Pancake lovers will adore their Cookie Dough, Pumpkin Pie, Red Velvet, and Old-Fashioned Blueberry Pancakes. Likewise, French toast fans can order their specialty Nutella or Cinnamon Crunch variations. But this spot shines when it comes to indulgent dessert choices. For example, there is no better brunch sendoff dessert than their Red Velvet Fried Oreos.
The Frog and The Peach
Where: New Brunswick
Details: The Frog and The Peach serves a formal brunch on Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. The upscale menu makes it an ideal option for celebrating a special occasion. They offer a two-course menu with brunch cocktail for $62 per person. Menu choices include Oysters on the Half Shell with Rosé Mignonette, Bacon Beignets, Hash Brown Poutine, and Brioche French Toast. Fried Chicken and Waffles and Pastrami Smoked Short Ribs are also available.
Grain & Cane
Where: Berkeley Heights
Details: The popular brunch menu at Grain & Cane is available every Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. It is also available for takeout on Sundays, or on the patio. Besides food, they offer a variety of cocktails including the Sunday Morning Cosmo and Cucumber Mint Mule. Meanwhile, menu highlights include the Country Bread & Farmer’s Cheese or Toffee Bread Pudding for the table. Patrons also love the Brisket Báhn mì and Lobster Cobb Salad entrees.
Hatch 44
Where: Metuchen
Details: Hatch 44 assaults the senses with a range of tasty menu options. They offer everything from breakfast classics and original dishes to sandwiches, salads, and pizza. Their signature specials include a vegan omelet, Lox Benedict, and the popular spicy avocado toast with sriracha mayo. They also offer seasonal specials designed by their chef. Their popular Sweet & Salty Oats is salted caramel oatmeal with fried cinnamon, bananas, and berries.
Market Roost
Where: Flemington
Details: Market Roost sells a lbit of everything, from coffees and cheeses to baked goods and breakfast. They offer a special Saturday brunch from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm. The menu includes omelets, Spanakopita, potato pancakes, quiche, Eggs Benedict, fresh fish cakes, and more. Plus, all brunch entrees come with a side of fresh fruit and a drink. Their Kahlua French Toast features egg bread with Vermont maple syrup, toasted almonds, bacon, and meat.
Mulberry House
Where: Westfield
Details: Mulberry House is a restaurant and tea house, two things that add up to one great brunch spot. Set in a restored Victorian home, they offer seating throughout the house, as well as outdoor dining on the patio. Their weekend brunch is only available for in-house dining, and even then only available on select dates. (They have a calendar on their website.) Their Apple Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich is a brunch delight, with fries and fruit salad.
Jersey Shore
Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen
Where: 5698 Somers Point Road, Mays Landing
Details: Brunch at Freddy J’s is now available on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. (Click here to see the brunch menu.) For 2023, Freddy J’s is introducing a host of new menu items. They include Breakfast Tacos, the Brunch Brisket Cheesesteak and Brisket Omelet, the Brunch Burger, and the Farmhouse Breakfast Sandwich. Meanwhile, signature favorites include Grant’s Breakfast Burrito and the “Everything But The Sink”. The latter includes three buttermilk pancakes, three eggs, a choice of meat, and breakfast potatoes. But save room for sides like their Cornbread with Honey Butter, Red Skin Breakfast Potatoes, and Pork Roll. Their mix of savoy dishes and sweet treats offers something for everyone.
Why I Like it: The friendly atmosphere and excellent service makes Freddy J’s perfect for brunch with family and/or friends.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Reserve a Table | Follow them on Instagram | Follow them on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Buttered Biscuit
Where: Bradley Beach
Details: This comfort-food eatery, only open Thursday through Monday, offers a great brunch menu with a New American twist. In addition to biscuits, pastries, omelets, egg sandwiches, and flap jacks, they offer a number of fun options. In fact, specialties include Caramelized Grapefruit, Eggs Oscar with crabmeat and asparagus, and Maui Meg’s French Toast: banana bread grilled and topped with crushed macadamia nuts and toasted coconut.
The Cracked Egg Cafe
Where: Galloway
Details: This neighborhood cafe with an open kitchen may be small, but it serves up substantial brunch options. The menu includes such breakfast standards as eggs, omelets, pancakes, and waffles, along with their signature dish, “The Crackin’”. This comes with egg, sausage, American cheese and home fries on a kaiser roll with a coffee. Other top specials include Blueberry Challah French Toast, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, and Cream Chipped Beef.
I’m A Local Beach House Cafe
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: I’m A Local Beach House Cafe serves their full breakfast and lunch menu all day. Of course, this includes omelets, wraps, pancakes, burgers, salads, and smoothies, all fresh and made to order. In particular, we recommend the Hank Over; a fried egg sandwich with pork roll, bacon, hash browns, and American cheese. As for popular drinks, they offer unique smoothies like the Chunky Monkey, with banana, peanut butter, honey, and low-fat milk.
The Mad Batter Restaurant
Where: Cape May
Details: Mad Batter actually credits itself with starting the now-famous Cape May gourmet restaurant scene. Gluten-free guests get an entire menu with items such as pizza, burgers, and soups. Meanwhile, brunch fans can enjoy “Harry’s Original Oatmeal Pancakes”, Belgian Waffles, the Mad Batter Benedict, or the Morgan Rostie. The latter features three eggs, jumbo lump crabmeat, sun-dried tomatoes, crispy fried potatoes, herbs, and Swiss cheese.
Molly Pitcher Inn
Where: Red Bank
Details: The Molly Pitcher Inn is famous for their weekend brunch, boasting appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees with brunch flair. Menu highlights include the Baked Onion Soup Gratin, Crab and Avocado Eggs Benedict, and Lobster Roll Sandwich. Meanwhile, their signature “Mr. Barry Salad” includes Mixed Greens, Cambozola Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, and Bartlett Pear Champagne Vinaigrette. They also offer catered holiday brunch menus.
Project Brunch
Where: Manalapan
Details: Homemade comfort food is the name of the game at Project Brunch. The menu boasts waffles, cinnamon bun pancakes, mac n’ cheese, frozen hot chocolate, and more. Locals love their S’mores Hot Chocolate (also served frozen), with marshmallow fluff, chocolate frosting, and graham cracker crumble. Likewise, popular breakfasts include Banana Bread French Toast and French omelet with mushrooms, fresh herbs, and brie cheese.
Rhythm & Spirits
Where: Atlantic City
Details: Rhythm & Spirits is traditionally known for their bustling nighttime scene, but they also serve weekend brunch. Options include brunch favorites with an Italian flair. First, there’s “The Italian” sandwich, with sliced prosciutto, porchetta, and ham on a roll. This also comes with red wine vinegar, Honey Whipped Ricotta, and cherry pepper roasted garlic aioli. Other signature items include the Steak and Eggs, Pulled Pork Hash, and the #BrunchLife Burger.
Shut Up and Eat!
Where: Toms River
Details: Patrons don’t have to get up early to do their hair or wear their Sunday best at this spot. Neither does the waitstaff, for that matter! The team at Shut Up and Eat! stands out because they wear pajamas at this diner-esque eatery. The huge menu offers seemingly endless choices of waffles, pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, bennies, and more. One unique dish is their Breakfast Sliders, pancake sandwiches with egg, cheese, home fries, and meat.
Toast
Where: Asbury Park | Montclair | Red Bank
Details: Toast specializes in breakfast, brunch, and lunch, so there’s no shortage of classic menu options. For example, their menu is bursting with choices like omelets, Bennys, griddle items, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and more. However, they are most famous for their creative pancake dishes, including Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, and Will’s Firebird Pancakes. Meanwhile, French toast fans will go wild for their Bananas Foster and Bella Nutella variations.
South Jersey
Braddock’s Tavern
Where: Medford
Details: Braddock’s Tavern describes itself as “Casual Gourmet Dining” with a menu of high-end finger foods. This includes duck egg rolls, burgers, sandwiches. They also serve a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday, with both classic and specialty dishes. Highlights include the Strawberry & Cream Brioche French Toast, Fresh Shucked Oysters, and Braddock’s Mac N Cheese. Dessert then features their signature Caramel & Chocolate Tart with ice cream.
Kitchen 519
Where: 200 East Evesham Rd, Glendora
Details: Weekend brunch at Kitchen 519 consists of favorites like Chicken & Waffles or Caramel French Toast, plus unique standouts. For instance, they serve Vegan Cinnamon French Toast, Cream Chipped Smoked Brisket, and a Vegan Muffin Basket. Patrons also love the Banana Fosters Stuffed French Toast, which pairs well with a side of eggs or fresh fruit. Besides brunch, they also offer daily menu specials like their Thursday Burger Night.
Robin’s Nest Restaurant
Where: Mount Holly
Details: Robin’s Nest is a dual-threat restaurant and bakery. They offer Sunday brunch with options like Strawberry Feta Salad, Crab Eggs Benedict, and the Mount Holly Melt. The latter is chicken salad, celery, onions, mandarin oranges, dill mayonnaise, and melted cheddar cheese on a whole-wheat sandwich. Brunch gets even better from their outdoor patio. One signature cocktail is the French Toast Martini, a mix of Fireball whiskey and vanilla vodka.
Sabrina’s Café
Where: Collingswood
Details: One of Philly’s best brunch cafes is also open in Collingswood. Sabrina’s serves breakfast all day, every day, with Cannoli French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, Shrimp and Grits, and a Tofu Scramble. Don’t miss their Super Mario Brunch Specials like the Yoshi’s Elvis Inspired Waffle. This is a waffle topped with Nutella, peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. They also offer Bowser’s Jerk Chicken Rice Bowl, plus gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
The Telford Inn
Where: Mantua
Details: The Telford Inn offers a concise weekend brunch menu that features brunch classics at fair prices. Popular items include Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles, French toast, made to order omelets, and the Crabcake Benny. This signature dish pairs a jumbo lump crab cake with a poached egg, English muffin, Hollandaise sauce, & breakfast potatoes. Another unique option is the Pastrami Cured Salmon Sandwich with a fried egg and whipped dill cream cheese.
The Tortilla Press
Where: Collingswood
Details: The Tortilla Press is a Mexican restaurant that offers brunch on weekends. But these brunch favorites come with a Mexican twist. This includes their signature Pan Perdida, a Mexican-style French toast with chipped cream and warm syrup. They also serve breakfast enchiladas, wraps, and tortas. Drink options include Fresh Squeezed OJ, apple juice, and cranberry juice. This BYOB joint sells virgin margaritas by the glass, so bring some tequila!
Verna’s Flight Line Restaurant
Where: Millville
Details: This brunch spot is part of the Millville Executive Airport. They serve breakfast all day on weekends, which includes typical fare like omelets, French toast, and pancakes. The building was a guard house for the military during WWII, so Verna’s features tons of historical American decor. Verna’s gets rave reviews from locals and many of the aircraft pilots who pass through; this is mostly due to the homemade cooking, friendly service, and fair prices.
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Best Brunch Spots in New Jersey FAQs
There are dozens of great brunch restaurants throughout New Jersey. Best of NJ’s list of The Best Brunch Spots in NJ curates over 40 of the state’s greatest places for brunch. Some of these spots even serve brunch throughout the week!
While many restaurants do only serve weekend or Sunday brunch — like Orchard Park — many spots serve brunch during the week. For instance, Summer & Autumn Cafe in Lodi is open seven days a week and offers brunch every day.
Pancakes, French toast, and a variety of omelettes are of course some of the most popular brunch dishes. However, many New Jersey restaurants offer signature brunch specials. For example, Sorriso Kitchen in Chatham serves bite-sizes bacon cubes called Maple Bacon Beauties.
Top (Hero) Photo: Orchard Park by David Burke / Facebook
Other Photos (in Order):
Grand Lux Cafe / Facebook
Freddy J’s / Instagram
