It’s spring. The trees are blooming and we’ve figured out a way to dine out amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you’re up for treating the mom in your life for brunch, here are seven restaurants that will gladly prepare a delicious feast—and serve it to you outdoors if that’s where you prefer to dine. And, they’ve got room for your stroller and a kid-friendly menu! Read on for our top picks of where to eat Mother’s Day brunch in NYC! (And hey, it’s Mother’s Day: you’re going to need to make a reservation!)
Greenpoint : Esme
This charming restaurant features a fully shaded backyard garden, which offers distanced seating among gorgeous bushes, planters and tall trees. If it’s a rainy Mother’s Day, not to worry: The outdoor seating here is protected and curbside seating will be available that day, too. And with such treats as house-made oversized cinnamon roll and eggs Benedict with smoked ham, Tabasco hollandaise and mixed greens, we know moms will be overjoyed to spend part of their special day feasting here.
999 Manhattan Ave.
718-383-0999
Greenpoint
Online: esmebk.com
Tribeca: Bubby’s
You can’t go wrong at a Bubby’s brunch any day of the week let alone on Mother’s Day. On Sunday May 9th, every mom will be served a complimentary mimosa, which P.S. pairs perfectly with Bubby's delicious sourdough pancakes (made from a century-old sourdough recipe) or one of its new springtime menu items, such as slice of delectable strawberry rhubarb pie. The outdoor setup at this 30-year-old fave is delightful, too, as its covered and heated—an appealing feature if the temperature dips on mom’s big day.
120 Hudson St.
Tribeca
212-219-0666
Online: bubbys.com
Upper East Side Cacio e Pepe
At this Italian trattoria, the second location of a restaurant that’s been serving downtown diners for years, the pasta dishes are a definite draw. One is even served in a giant cheese wheel and we know moms will love brunching on the traditional Roman menu items offered here. Book a table in the sidewalk seating area for maximum people watching and, whatever you do, save room for one of their epic desserts.
182 Second Ave.
Upper East Side
212-505-5931
Online: cacioepepe.com
Rockaway Beach: The Rockaway Hotel
At this funky boutique hotel, which opened during the pandemic, a full brunch buffet will be served 11 AM until 2 PM on Mother’s Day. Seating in the Pool House is heated, covered and fully ventilated and, bonus, immersing yourself into the surf vibe here will do wonders to transport you far away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr.
718-474-1216
Rockaway
Online: therockawayhotel.com
Williamsburg: Concord Hill
When you stop in for brunch at this casual neighborhood eatery, you can rest assured that brunch faves like brioche French toast and house cured smoked salmon and eggs will appeal to evert mom. On Mother’s Day, brunch will be served 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and, best of all, the restaurant’s outdoor space is expanded on the weekends thanks to Open Streets so there’s plenty of open air tables with umbrellas and space for strollers.
374 Graham Ave.
347-463-9322
Williamsburg
Online: concordhillbk.com
FiDi: Kesté Pizza & Vino
Brunch is going to be an all-day affair on Mother’s Day and, cute touch, every mom who dines here will be gifted with a flower. That’s not all, there’s outdoor seating right in front of this authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, which opened in 2009, and all the Kesté pizza favorites (including fried!) are on the menu as well as gluten-free items and a special dessert: tiramisu with peaches. Yum!
77 Fulton St.
212-693-9030
FiDi
Online: kestepizzeria.com
Lincoln Square, Nomad, Midtown, East Village: The Smith
Dine at this family favorite and you can go savory—with options like spring asparagus toast with overnight tomatoes, burrata and poached eggs—or sweet—we’re talking vanilla bean French toast with maple butter and caramelized bananas. Outdoor seating at this brasserie is available at every location, especially the Lincoln Square restaurant which boasts an extra-large sidewalk dining space.
Several locations
Online: thesmithrestaurant.com
—Lambeth Hochwald
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