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Gorgeous views and delicious food make Ophelia a lovely spot for Mother's Day brunch in Midtown East.

Mother's Day Brunch 2023 in Manhattan

1. Minetta Tavern – West Village

This high-end eatery, known for its history of famed literary diners, including Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings, is perfect for moms looking for a classy celebration. In business since the 1930s, this French-style restaurant offers Mother's Day brunch with an elegant touch. Of course, there is a long list of wines by the bottle and glass and cocktails as well.

2. Ophelia – Midtown East

Mother's Day brunch with a view is on the menu at Ophelia, the 26th-floor Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge at the Beekman Tower, which offers sweeping East River views. A prix fixe menu includes a truffle filet mignon crostini, kid-pleasing sugar-pearl Belgian mini waffles, strawberry mini scones, and more. Make sure to wash it all down with a signature cocktail.

3. City Cruises Mother's Day Brunch – Chelsea

Enjoy amazing views of the Manhattan skyline as you sail aboard the Spirit of New York enjoying a lavish Mother's Day brunch buffet. The two-hour excursion includes stunning views of the skyline, a live DJ, and unlimited mimosas for adults. Nosh on everything from breakfast potatoes and pastries to a green goddess pasta salad. Kids get a buffet station all their own with chicken tenders and fries. Cakes, brownies, and a seasonal fruit buffet end the meal with a flourish. Looking for a more formal seated experience? Consider booking City Cruises plated Mother's Day brunch cruise aboard Bateaux New York.

4. Forgtmenot – Lower East Side

This casual, cool hot spot is intimate (read small) but homey and delicious, with seriously yummy dishes presented simply. At Forgtmenot, try a breakfast burrito with chorizo, or hootsla, its version of French toast in nugget form with cinnamon and honey, or its delicious Greek shoestring french fries, doused with oregano and feta cheese. A cool watermelon margarita served in a jar makes for an extra delightful Mother's Day brunch. High chairs are available, with more room in the back of the restaurant for a rowdier crew.

5. The Blue Dog Cook House and Bar – Midtown West

This charming dining spot in Midtown offers an eclectic but carefully crafted Mother's Day brunch menu that includes tailored omelets, a variety of eggs Benedict (including a delicious crab cake Benedict), salads, quesadillas, buffalo cauliflower, vegan shiitake bacon, lox, burgers, croque madame (and croque monsieur), chocolate chip pancakes, Oreo waffles, chicken and waffles, and more.

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Pair Mother's Day brunch at Harlem's Red Rooster with an amazing adult cocktail. 

6. Red Rooster Harlem – Harlem

Harlem's dining renaissance began years ago with chef Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster, and his uptown hot spot is still dishing out its elevated soul-food favorites for Mother's Day brunch—and every other meal. Treat the moms in your life to a Mother's Day brunch of fantastic eats, and, if you time it right, a gospel performance.

7. COTE NYC – Flatiron District

For those who wish to sleep in, treat mom to a fancy Mother's Day dinner in NYC at the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse. On the luxurious dinner menu here, explore the butcher’s feast, a 1,200+ label wine list, cocktails, and fresh seafood. When we say "fresh" we mean it—there's a brand new live fish tank providing guests with sea-to-table entrees. Mothers receive a special gift: a framed Polaroid photo plus a flower to commemorate the day. Mother's Day dinner service is offered from 5-11pm and reservations are highly recommended.

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Dive into an elegant brunch spread at the Roxy Hotel's Mother's Day brunch.

8. The Roxy Hotel – Tribeca

The vibe at The Roxy Hotel's Roxy Bar and Lounge is decidedly laid-back, with comfy couches enveloping diners in an area more reminiscent of a plush living room than a sit-down establishment. Live jazz accompanies its Mother's Day brunch. Menu highlights include brown butter pancakes topped with a banana foster sauce, an avocado scramble, and a lavish raw bar. Wash it all down with a mimosa or one of its signature cocktails.

9. Friend of a Farmer – Gramercy Park, Upper West Side

With a brunch menu that's served until 4pm, this farm-to-table favorite is perfect for a leisurely start to the day or even a second breakfast. The healthy menu includes favorites like pumpkin, blueberry, and apple pancakes, as well as heartier options like salmon Benedict, grass-fed burgers, and shepherd's pie. The outdoor seating area is super cozy and equipped with heaters in case it gets chilly.

10. The Well Kitchen & Table – Union Square

Not only does this one-stop wellness shop offer innovative, restorative treatments to spoil mom (think a Biologique Recherche facial or a massage), but you can enjoy a fabulous Mother's Day brunch before you send mom off for a relaxing treatment. The on-site restaurant serves a selection of Mother's Day brunch options from its sustainably sourced, seasonally inspired menu.

11. Chez Nick – Upper East Side

This neighborhood staple celebrates Mother's Day brunch with a selection of spring-inspired specials in addition to its regular brunch menu. Mom can tuck into a biscuit breakfast sandwich with maple sausage and fried egg, while kids go crazy for the double-stack buttermilk pancakes.

12. The Regency Bar & Grill – Upper East Side

In addition to the regular brunch menu served at this Loews Regency Hotel restaurant, moms can enjoy Mother's Day brunch specials like baked eggs with plum tomato, peppers, pancetta, and sourdough toast. Also on the menu is a Maine lobster Benedict, and a corned beef hash with a poached egg. If you're in the mood for lunch options instead, we recommend the American Wayu eye of rib-eye with roasted fingerling potatoes, wild mushrooms, and cabernet. Top it all off with a crème brulee for a sweet finish.

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Moss Café's pastry case in Riverdale is filled with homemade goodies. 

Best Mother's Day Brunch in the Bronx

13. Moss Cafe – Riverdale

This ethical, mom-friendly cozy coffee shop and cafe serves a kosher, vegetarian menu embracing the farm-to-table movement. Menus change with the seasons but expect wholesome, hearty, home-cooked goodness and made-from-scratch pastries. Enjoy mimosas or, if you prefer your beverages caffeinated, try its honey cardamom latte.

14. Bronx Burger House – Riverdale

With burger in the name, it's no surprise this spot serves red meat with just about every selection. Its Mother's Day brunch menu includes namesake specialties such as the breakfast burger and standbys like steak and eggs and a banana nut French toast. Wash it down with all-you-can-drink mimosas, bloody marys, sangria, screwdrivers, Bronx Burger House Brew, or house wine.

15. Havana Cafe – Schuylerville

This cozy Bronx spot offers a lively Mother's Day brunch, complete with all-you-can-drink sangria. On the menu is a variety of Cuban-inspired breakfast items. If your kids are less adventurous than you, there's a basic kids' menu with child-friendly favorites such as chicken tenders, pancakes, or waffles. Each kids' meal includes a soft drink and ice cream.

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Sweetwater has a beautiful garden where you can enjoy Mother's Day brunch.

Best Mother's Day Brunch Spots in Brooklyn

16. Sweetwater Restaurant – Williamsburg

This French-inspired bistro delights all with its highly rated steak frites, French toast, and organic farm-raised egg dishes. High chairs are at the ready, and you can enjoy Mother's Day brunch in its beautiful garden—a lovely option, especially if little ones need to do some exploring while waiting for their meals.

17. Stone Park Cafe – Park Slope

Delicious and family-friendly, Stone Park Cafe is a solid Mother's Day brunch all-star with a variety of favorites, ranging from eggs Benedict to biscuits and gravy. The pretty dining room makes for a meal that feels a little fancy but still has plenty of high chairs to go around. Arrive early to snag a table.

18. Buttermilk Channel – Carroll Gardens

With great comfort food prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Buttermilk’s Mother's Day brunch is hearty and yummy. There’s even a special kids' menu with grilled cheese and other favorites, plus an ice cream sundae.

19. Five Leaves – Greenpoint

If the weather outlook is good, treat mom to an outdoor Mother's Day brunch just steps from McCarren Park at this unique Australian bar and restaurant. The setting is perfect for new walkers to explore while waiting for food. The menu includes kid-friendly options, from egg sandwiches and ricotta pancakes to avocado toast.

20. Superfine – Dumbo

This organic, spacious loft-style restaurant is a long-time local favorite. It's nestled under the Manhattan Bridge and serves brunch classics plus some south-of-the-border-style dishes. Another great perk to its location is the 5-minute walk to Jane’s Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can let the kids loose and enjoy the view after a delicious Mother's Day brunch.

21. Greenhouse Cafe – Bay Ridge

This Bay Ridge mainstay serves a three-course prix fixe Mother's Day brunch featuring a choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert. Children get their own special menu, too.

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Mom's Kitchen & Bar serves comforting classics like chicken and waffles for Mother's Day brunch.

Restaurants for Mother's Day Brunch in Queens

22. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar – Astoria

What better choice for Mother’s Day brunch than an all-day breakfast spot named Mom’s? Mom's fun menu has dishes like chicken and bacon waffles, shrimp and cheesy grits, and “Bedrock pancakes” made with Fruity Pebbles and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Partake in one of Mom's indulgent adult beverages, like the Hot Girl Summer (jalapeno-infused tequila, orange liqueur, blackberry, lime, and an inflatable flamingo topper) or a Duckie Slide (gin, elderflower, cucumber, lemon, and club soda). Mom's is also known for the fanciest (alcohol-free) milkshake, with salty, savory, and sweet flavors blended into one intensely caloric glass.

23. Dinerbar – Rego Park

Dinerbar is a modern take on that good ol' diner we all grew up with. Its regular brunch menu is hard to beat. Kids will have a hard time resisting the French toast tower. The savory grilled shrimp omelets come highly recommended. There's also a "boozy brunch" add-on. Kids, of course, are welcome, and high chairs are available.

24. Mojave – Astoria

A Southwestern restaurant with real south-of-the-border flair presents moms with jalapeno cheeseburger sliders, corn-crusted calamari cracklings, a Mojave avocado Benedict, and so much more. Don’t leave without tasting the caramelized banana pancakes or Dos Equis French toast. Kids appreciate its Mother's Day brunch menu featuring simple standbys like quesadillas and mac and cheese. Come late for the DJ who plays every Sunday at 1pm.

25. Victory Garden Cafe Restaurant – Astoria

Mother's Day brunch at the Greek-influenced Victory Garden is just that; brunch in a garden. Finger-licking good brunch options and a prix fixe menu for $59.95 leave you with plenty to choose from. There are sides like mini spinach and cheese pies, and Greek dips. There are also plenty of options to keep picky little ones satisfied.

Treat mom to a day at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa. Photo by  Kyle Knodell

26. The Rockaway Hotel + Spa – Rockaway

Treat mom to a day at the beach with the sumptuous Mother's Day brunch buffet at this seaside hotel. Highlights of the meal include a seafood and pastry bar, charcuterie and cheese station, and a carving station with prime rib, roasted pork loin, and salmon Wellington. Treat mom to a spa treatment post-meal while you entertain the kids in the sand nearby.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants

Originally published in April 2011.