I find it special that beyond the borough’s diversity and down-to-earth vibe, Queens’s breakfast and brunch scene offers bold flavors from around the world. I love how this borough starts the day with everything from Colombian arepas to Greek pastries, served up in cozy cafés and bustling diners. I look forward to mornings that begin with dim sum in Flushing and end with cappuccinos and crepes in Astoria.
"Cultures, coffee, and comfort food? This is Queens breakfast!"
Unique Breakfast Spots in Queens, NYC:
1. Atlantic Diner
Rating: ★★★★★
The Atlantic Diner is a 24-hour diner with a retro-style exterior that serves an extensive menu of American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. Breakfast at the Atlantic Diner is a hearty affair with a selection of favorite dishes such as egg scrambles, multi-egg omelets with various fillings, Belgian waffles, stacks of syrupy pancakes, bagels and lox, egg sandwiches, and French toast. Signature specials include Belgian waffle sundaes, golden brown griddle cakes, super deluxe Belgian waffles, and three egg specialty omelets, and freshly brewed coffee and tea are always hot and available to enjoy in or takeaway.
111-16 Atlantic Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, Phone: 718-849-6673
2. Sanford’s
Sanford’s is a chic restaurant with contemporary decor and modern furnishings that offers an unrivaled dining experience in Queens. Located on Broadway, the stylish eatery is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and serves a seasonal menu of New American comfort fare with creative twists. Sanford’s draws a regular crowd for breakfast that comes to tuck into a variety of Benedicts and skillets, yogurt parfaits, frittatas, eggs done in several ways, and griddle favorites like stacks of pancakes with banana and Nutella, and cinnamon and pecan nut French toast. The brunch menu features signature dishes like the crispy duck confit and waffles served with sweet plantains and maple syrup and black truffle burgers with melted fontina cheese.
30-13 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106, Phone: 718-932-9569
3. Nick’s Bistro
Nick’s Bistro is largely regarded as one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the concrete jungle that is New York City. Nestled in the busy Forest Hills neighborhood, Nick’s Bistro promises incredible authentic Greek home cooking to feast on from within their upbeat and welcoming neighborhood bistro. Nick’s features a dedicated brunch menu with crowd pleasers like the Greek Omelet, Egg Saganaki, Lemon Ouzo Chicken, and the Goat Cheese Fig Press Sandwich. The brunch menu also offers classic New York treats the Corned Beef Sandwich, a Prosciutto Press, several variations on pancakes and French toast, as well as the classic Eggs Benedict.
104-20 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, New York 11375, Phone: 718-544-6425
Date Ideas:
4. Bell Diner
Bell Diner is a traditional diner-style eatery with booth and counter seating that serves an array of American, Italian, and Mexican dishes in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The all-day menu features breakfast favorites like muffins, bread, and bagels with various toppings, oatmeal and granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, egg sandwiches and wraps, griddle specialties such as pancakes, waffles, and French toast along with freshly brewed coffee. Also on the menu are burgers and fries, cold-pressed and gourmet sandwiches, freshly made salads, and entrees like steak and eggs, steak and chips, chicken dishes, and fresh seafood and fish.
215-25 73rd Avenue, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364, Phone: 718-279-0333
5. Cafe Muscat
Cafe Muscat brings a slice of the Middle East to Queens with a Mediterranean and kosher-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The easy-going café presents an all-day breakfast, which includes complimentary fruit juice, soda, tea or coffee, and a salad of choice, including classic hummus, tabbouleh, matboucha, babaganoush, hot roasted peppers, coleslaw in vinegar, and fried eggplant salad. Signature breakfast dishes include the Israeli Morning (two eggs with a scoop of cream cheese), Greek Morning (two eggs on toasted pita bread with feta cheese, black olives, and olive oil), Shakshuka Morning (two eggs in a spicy tomato sauce), and Benedict poached eggs.
178-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365, Phone: 718-591-4060/50
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