The Best Brunch Spots in New Jersey: 2024 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 good conversation. Lucky for us, New Jersey is full of great spots to enjoy brunch.
The restaurants on this list either offer special weekend brunch menus, or actually specialize in brunch. In fact, some of them are only open during the morning and early afternoon. Our list features both casual brunch spots perfect for kids or a fun day date as well as upscale restaurants. Either way, just about every county in New Jersey has a great spot for brunch. Continue reading to find the best spots for enjoying brunch in the Garden State.
Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Brunch Spots nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Cyndia’s
Where: Totowa
Details: For customers who want to feel like part of a community, Cyndia’s is the place to be. In fact, “Where neighbors become friends, and friends become family” is the restaurant’s tagline. They specialize in breakfast, lunch, and catering options. Regulars love their homemade chicken and waffles as well as their Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Weekend specials, a grilled cheese board, plus specialty hot and cold sandwiches round out the diverse and flavorful menu.
Granny’s Pancake House & Grill
Where: Hamburg
Details: Granny’s is a favorite with locals and tourists alike, operating out of an actual house on Route 23. (For daytrippers or weekend getaway planners, Crystal Springs Resort is right around the corner.) Granny’s delivers friendly staff, a cozy diner feel, and breakfast all day. Even 25 years later, the family-owned restaurant is known for huge portions at great prices. Pancakes are popular, but we recommend the Waffle Delight with fresh fruit, ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
Missy’s Main Street Cafe
Where: Rockaway
Details: This cozy neighborhood spot cooks up traditional brunch fare with the added attraction of creative and tempting weekly specials. Recent offerings include Taylor ham, egg, and cheese empanadas and French toast stuffed with cream cheese and raspberry jam. Diners also rave about the overstuffed egg sandwiches, smashed tater-tot brunch bowls, and friendly staff. With so many choices, it will take a few visits to truly appreciate everything Missy’s has to offer.
Raymond’s
Where: Montclair | Ridgewood
Details: Raymond’s offers an upscale take on the classic diner experience. This includes white-tiled floors and walls, red leather banquettes, and a 1950s luncheonette vibe. Locals love the weekend brunch, available from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Their signature option is French toast, which Raymond’s has served since first opening twenty years ago. In addition to lunch and dinner, they serve breakfast all day during the week. So patrons who love pancakes for dinner can get their fix.
Stella G’s
Where: Hackettstown
Details: This family-friendly café in the center of Hackettstown is small in size, but large in charm. The expansive menu selection features favorites such as eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and omelets. In addition, their seasonal menu and fresh-baked goods add creative options to any morning meal. Weekends provide a real treat for patrons, as servers belt out Broadway tunes. Along with counter service and tables inside, outdoor seating is also available.
The Table
Where: Jersey City
Details: The 3 Acres apartment building in Jersey City houses more than just tenants. It is also the home of The Table, one of the area’s newest hot spots. Locals already flock to The Table for dinner, drinks, and bar bites, but they also have a weekend brunch menu. Signature specials include Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chilaquiles, and the Ridiculous Egg Sandwich. The latter includes scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar, caramelized onion, lettuce, sriracha mayo, and roasted red potatoes.
Willow & Whisk
Where: Wyckoff
Details: Gorgeous décor and an elevated brunch experience are the standout highlights at Willow & Whisk. Despite only opening in 2020, the spot is already a fan favorite for their creative menu and comfort-food favorites. Must-haves include lemon-ricotta pancakes, mini French toast bites, the SoCal breakfast bowl, and house-made chicken apple sausage. They also serve lunch options like burgers and paninis. Mimosas, Bellnis, and Palomas, all available by the pitcher, are a nice touch.
Central Jersey
Best in Middlesex County:
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.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-554-5714 |
Café Seventy-Two
Where: Ewing Township
Details: It’s breakfast and lunch all day every day at this hip bistro that closes at 2:30 pm. The menu is heavy on pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelets, and eggs Benedict, all available in creative variations. Other favorites include Cacio e Pepe eggs, shrimp and grits, and the Morning Taco. The latter features a corn shell filled with scrambled eggs, choice of meat, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. We recommend trying one of their specialty coffees, which is a meal in itself.
Chat & Griddle
Where: Kenilworth
Details: Chat & Griddle is a true hidden gem in Union County. This luncheonette-style brunch restaurant does basically zero advertising, and survives solely on word of mouth. They have no website, and very little online presence besides a small Instagram account that posts very infrequently. But locals love their signature breakfast sandwiches, many of which start with a foundation of Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese. For something different, try the Sweet & Salty, which adds cream cheese and homemade jam.
Harper’s Table
Where: Annandale
Details: The interior of Harper’s Table has a unique feel to it. That’s probably because the team renovated the property using nearly 100% recycled materials from surrounding Hunterdon County barns. When it comes to Sunday brunch, they boast a menu with classics like waffles, pancakes, and French toast. But they also have unique dishes like Huevos Harperos, the Tex Mex omelette, and breakfast pizza with a ketchup drizzle. They also have a full bar with over 15 rotating draft beers.
Maria’s Brunch
Where: Metuchen
Details: This family-friendly cafe offers traditional diner fare along with more modern and healthy alternatives. Decadent Churro Mex waffles and Bana’Nutella French toast are among the unique specialties. But the menu also offers yogurt bowls, avocado toast, and a Farm Veggie Sandwich. Traditional lunch options include sandwiches and salads like the Al Pastor Panini and Vodka Bliss Sandwich. Regulars appreciate the fair prices, generous portions, and friendly service.
Tap & Bitters
Where: Warren
Details: Tap & Bitters brings the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to life in both their cuisine and signature cocktails. 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. With Cajun and New Orleans favorites, the menu features just the right amount of fire and flavor. Patrons also love the expansive drink menu.
Jersey Shore
Best in Ocean County:
The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
Where: 1201 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin
Details: Steak and seafood combine with creative seasonal cocktails and twenty beers on tap at The Old Causeway. The restaurant’s popular brunch menu includes both entrees and shareable options for the table. This includes favorite table shares like Bacon, egg & cheese poutine, Jersey devils (deviled eggs), and cinnamon rolls. As for the entrees, regulars always look forward to the Lobster Oscar Scramble, Short Rib Hash, or Steak & Eggs. But we also recommend the King’s Breakfast Sandwich. This stacked breakfast option includes pork roll, fried egg, cheese, grilled pineapple, chipotle ketchup, king’s Hawaiian bread, and breakfast potatoes. Besides brunch, The Old Causeway serves lunch, dinner, and provides a complete catering menu. They offer live music on Mondays and an acoustic happy hour throughout the summer. They frequently have live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well.
Why I Like it: Their specialty cocktail menu rotates regularly, so there’s always something new to pair with brunch.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-488-1327 |
Brittany’s Cafe
Where: Atlantic City
Details: This breakfast spot gets rave reviews from patrons for their stellar service and excellent omelettes. The diner-esque menu features breakfast and lunch classics including pancakes, French toast, waffles, sandwiches, and those signature omelettes. There isn’t a bad option on the menu, but we recommend the Italian Omelette. It comes with either mild or hot Italian sausage, provolone cheese, and green peppers. For a Jersey staple, try the grilled pork roll with cheese.
The Buttered Biscuit
Where: Bradley Beach
Details: The Buttered Biscuit is coming up on 15 years in business since opening in 2011. To this day, the family-owned French-inspired cafe offers breakfast and lunch with a creative spin on the classics. Maui Meg’s French Toast, Sweet Lorraine’s Hoe Cakes, and Dave’s Homemade Corned-Beef Hash are just a few must-haves. But no visit is complete without ordering the namesake buttered biscuit. Options include Southern-style, French-style, or simply topped with homemade Hollandaise.
Cardinal Provisions
Where: Asbury Park
Details: This charming cafe offers a creative spin on breakfast with a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. Cardinal is a favorite brunch spot for regulars and tourists alike. (When not managing the early day eatery, the two chefs in charge also host pop-up dinners at night.) Mouth-watering options include the Berry Skillet Cake, chicken and waffles, and Italian Disco. The latter combines citrus and rosemary braised pork with steak fries, fontina, and cherry-pepper mayo.
Taylor Sam’s
Where: Brick Township
Details: With a name like Taylor Sam’s there’s no question what they call New Jersey’s popular breakfast meat here. All of the classics at this popular Shore brunch spot are made from scratch. That includes the egg sandwiches, pancakes, omelets, and array of creative daily specials. Example specials include Strawberry Creamsicle French Toast and the Texacana Breakfast Hoagie; filled with chorizo, fried eggs, pepper jack, black beans, avocado, and home fries.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Where: Avalon | Cape May | Ocean City | Stone Harbor | Wildwood
Details: This mega-popular pancake house now has seven locations throughout the Jersey Shore/Cape May County. Half of the locations are seasonal, and only open for the warmer months. Expect slight menu variations per location, but a consistent focus on waffles and, of course, pancakes. Their signature pancakes include Peanut Butter, Blueberry Buttermilk, Apple, Peach, Potato, and more. Their Uncle Bill’s Special features a 6oz strip steak with 2 eggs and 3 pancakes.
South Jersey
Blair Mountain Biscuit Co
Where: Blackwood
Details: Chef and Owner Todd Miller brings modern southern fast-casual food to South Jersey six days a week. (Blair Mountain Biscuit Co is closed on Mondays.) Infused with a Philadelphia flair, Chef Todd’s signature item is the cheddar rosemary drop biscuit. We recommend the breakfast biscuit sandwich with egg and mushroom scrapple and a side of blossom butter. Patrons also love their drink menu, featuring cold brew coffee, orange juice, and house made lemonade.
Blueplate
Where: Mullica Hill
Details: The menu is farm to fork at Blueplate. Their team works with organic farms from throughout the surrounding area to provide the freshest ingredients possible. Their weekend brunch menu offers rotating specials, including their popular Eggs Rancheros or Lemon Cream Stuffed Crepes with mixed berries. Other fan favorites include Lobster Benedict and Blueberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. Blueplate typically serves Sunday brunch from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm.
Kitchen87
Where: Mt. Holly
Details: This casual cafe offers home-cooked comfort brunch foods along with a cozy, homelike atmosphere. Their straightforward menu includes all of the basics. This includes eggs any way, shrimp and grits, oatmeal, French toast, pancakes, waffles, huevos rancheros, overstuffed egg sandwiches, and more. Be sure to ask about their specials, which change weekly. Returning patrons rave about the “pre-Covid” prices in addition to the fast and friendly service.
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.
Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.
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 20 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, Brittany’s Cafe in Atlantic City 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, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House serves a special featuring a 6oz strip steak with 2 eggs and 3 pancakes.
One truly unique brunch restaurant is Granny’s Pancake House & Grill in Hamburg. Besides its close proximity to Crystal Springs Resort, the restaurant operates out of an actual house on Route 23. Then there’s Tap & Bitters, which combines Cajun and New Orleans-inspired dishes and flavors into their brunch menu.
Yes! Some of NJ’s best brunch spots are known for generous portions at reasonable (even “pre-COVID”) prices. Maria’s Brunch in Metuchen and Kitchen87 in Mount Holly are two perfect examples. These restaurants offer friendly service and large servings at great prices.
Top Photo: The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House / Website
