Whether you’re nursing a hangover or looking for the ultimate pancake stack, we’ve created a list of restaurants offering the best brunch in Jersey City right now. These hand-picked spots are taking Bennies and pancakes to the next level. Generous portions, a laid-back atmosphere, and reasonable prices make these eateries our top spots for your weekend feasts. From BYOB spot Cafe Alyce to long-time staple Skinner’s Loft — here are our picks for the best brunch in Jersey City 2022.
Best Brunch Jersey City
Uncle Momo
The brunch menu is strong at BYOB spot Uncle Momo’s. Located near City Hall at 289 Grove Street, this French-Lebanese eatery serves up delicious entrees like Eggs Nantua (pictured), two poached eggs on a crisp English muffin with smoked salad and greens. Our favorite dish, however, is the Tunisia Eggs — two poached eggs over spicy peppers in tomato sauce. 289 Grove (Menu)
Sam AM
Strong coffee, a welcoming staff, and delicious food are what make Sam AM a contender for best brunch in Jersey City. Their menu ranges from a Cuban sandwich to the “Weekender” (pictured), which includes two eggs, potatoes, toast, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage. It’s the stuff brunch dreams are made of. Just make note, the place gets busy and the outdoor tables are first come, first served for to-go meals only (no table service). 112 Morris (Menu)
Cafe Alyce
Enjoy brunch any time of the day at newly-opened Cafe Alyce. Located in the former Medical Center Luncheonette space, the new BYOB restaurant is offering hearty, made-from-scratch meals that range from a delicious shrimp and grits entree to a bulgogi beef breakfast skillet. Staff are extremely attentive and the vibe is casual and welcoming. Brunch in Jersey City simply doesn’t get better than this. 641 Montgomery (Menu)
Ani Ramen
Ani Ramen Jersey City recently kicked off its new brunch specials. For $16, you get a bento box with creamy corn mazemen, fried egg, grilled pork belly, potato croquette, ani salad, and chili charred edamame. You can also add brunch bao buns to your order: chicken katsu ($6), grass-fed burger ($7) or brisket bao bun ($8). It’s an affordable — and tasty — way to get brunch in Jersey City. 218 Newark Avenue (Menu)
The Kitchen Step
Kick off your weekend eats at The Kitchen Step, which makes our list of the best brunch spots in Jersey City. Executive chef Ryan DePersio is dishing out modern, American classics with a seasonal, locally-driven menu. Among our favorite dishes are the breakfast burrito (perfect for this mornings when you need a hearty meal), croissant French toast, and the eggs benedict (pictured with smoked salmon). 500 Jersey Avenue (Menu)
Mathews
Give your weekend brunch a southern twist at Mathews. The neighborhood eatery offers a nice mix of healthy and indulgent dishes that range from a house-made beet and red bean veggie burger to chicken and waffles. We recommend the excellent Sweet Potato & Andouille sausage hash (pictured above) as well as the lemon ricotta pancakes. The pancakes are oversized and fluffy, which makes them great for sharing with friends. 351 Grove (Menu)
Unica Cafe
From Cuban sandwiches to scrambled egg platters, Unica Cafe is one of the best brunch spots in Jersey City. If you’re particularly hungry, Unica is generous with its portions and most brunch/lunch options are in the sub-$10 range. Their pastries are equally delicious, including their mini cakes. 454 Central Avenue (Menu)
Cafe Dolma
This quaint cafe offers a Mediterranean take on brunch with dishes like çilbir (Turkish-style poached eggs with labneh) and soujouk with feta (Turkish beef sausage with feta). Even brunch staples like avocado toast (pictured) come dusted with za’atar, a Mediterranean spice blend. Also, make sure to save room for their pastries, which are among our favorite in town. 270 Grand (Menu)
Franklin Social
If you’re idea of a laid back brunch involves live jazz, the Franklin Social is the place to be. The restaurant typically offers live jazz on Sundays alongside a steady roster of brunch classics like smoked salmon Benedict (pictured), French toast, and a veggie Reuben. For $25, you can also enjoy a bottomless brunch. Cheers to that! 292 Barrow (Menu)
Roman Nose
Just steps away from the Grove Street PATH station you’ll find Roman Nose, one of our favorite brunch spots in Jersey City. The Italian restaurant relaunched its brunch service earlier this year and it’s already earned a spot on our list. Our recommended dish is the beautifully rustic Uova in Purgatorio (eggs in purgatory), which consists of three baked eggs in Roman Nose’s “Sunday Sauce” with pecorino romano and served with rustic bread. 125 Newark Avenue (Menu)
Maggie’s Farm Espresso
Healthy and delicious is the name of the game at Maggie’s Farm Espresso. Named after a Bob Dylan song, the Australian-inspired cafe offers locally sourced and organic eats. The menu includes items like a toasted breakfast wrap with spicy Aussie relish, Bircher muesli (soaked overnight), and our favorite — the ricotta and fig toast. The cafe can get busy on weekend mornings, but the vibe is always welcoming and relaxed. 88 Morgan (Menu)
Gaia & Loki
For a healthy take on brunch, you’ll want to head to vegetarian restaurant Gaia & Loki. The BYOB eatery not only features live jazz on Sundays, but if you’re lucky — you’ll also get to sample new apps and dishes straight from the kitchen. The Gaia Platter is our pick for best power brunch. It includes roasted tomatoes, potatoes, mushroom, and kale, with fresh avocado. You can also add an imitation egg, sausage, or fresh berries. Quick note: brunch starts at 2pm on Saturdays, but it’s available from 11am to 2pm on Sundays. 346 Grove (Menu)
Eira Cafe Mercearia
For a taste of Portugal, you’ll want to head to Eira Mercearia. Owned by chef and restaurateur Michael Casalinho of Broa, Eira offers everything from Portuguese caldos to a phenomenal Portuguese cod burger. The cafe also offers plenty of sweet treats like Portuguese croissants and their signature pastel de nata (egg custard). They’ve recently added BYOB dinners (on select nights) which you can sign up for via their IG account. 24 Mercer (Instagram)
The Franklin
Whether you’re craving a fluffy stack of ricotta pancakes or a hearty plate of huevos rancheros, the excellent brunch menu at The Franklin has something for everyone. The menu seems simple — divvied up into eggs, salads, and sandwiches — but it’s extremely satisfying. We especially love it for including plenty of vegetarian-friendly salads. Heads up: the restaurant is BYOB, so if it’s a boozy brunch you’re after, you’ll want to walk a few blocks to Riverview Wine (43 Bowers) and pick up a bottle. 159 New York Avenue (Menu)
Latham House & Emma’s
One of Jersey City’s top restaurants is also one of our favorite spots for brunch. We’re talking none other than Latham House — home of the Rabbi’s Revenge, an epic sandwich stacked with slices of house-smoked corn beef. Latham House also offers one of the best chilaquiles dishes we’ve had in Jersey City. Meanwhile egg lovers need to try the restaurant’s gargantuan ridiculous egg sandwich (pictured). If you live near JSQ, we also recommend sister restaurant Emma’s JSQ. 299 Marin Boulevard (Menu)
Amelia’s
We admit: Amelia’s $4 mimosas/bellinis are a huge reason to visit the Paulus Hook restaurant, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t stay for the food. They offer all the staples you could want — pancakes, omelettes, French toast — as well as some harder to find items like a lobster hash with eggs and their excellent chicken and waffles. The latter is fried to perfection offering the perfect balance of crunchy chicken skin and juicy chicken meat. You can wash it all down with their epic brunch cocktail menu that offers $4 drinks (full size) or $8 double-size drinks. 187 Warren (Menu)
The Cliff
This Heights classic is as eclectic and creative as its menu. Unique eats include the Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos, a trio of spicy tacos served with purple cabbage and gorgonzola crema. We also love the golden-colored Tofu Scramble (pictured), a healthy and unique alternative to your everyday omelette. Make sure to order one of their house-made juices, like the refreshing watermelon mint juice. 38 Congress Street (Menu)
Martha’s
For the ultimate comfort food experience, you must try brunch at Martha’s. The tiny eatery is our top budget pick with generous portions that’ll fill you up without leaving a hole in your wallet. Favorites include Martha’s 10-slice Taylor ham and cheese sandwich (pictured) as well as their fried catfish platter served over grits. 308 Pacific Avenue (Menu)
Skinner’s Loft
With its Bohemian-inspired decor and generous food portions, Skinner’s Loft is high on our list of best brunch in Jersey City. The restaurant nails all the basics like omelettes, pancakes, and breakfast burritos. Bonus points for their friendly service and fun soundtrack, which can range from an Irish folk song to Tito Puente. 146 Newark Avenue (Menu)
Los Cuernos
Yes, the tacos at Taqueria-owned restaurant Los Cuernos are some of the best around, but take our word when we say you’ll want to skip them and opt for some of the restaurant’s more classic brunch options. The chilaquiles verdes, for instance, are excellent. The lightly fried strips of corn tortilla are drizzled in salsa verde and served with crema and queso fresco. Meanwhile, the queso fundido is served in a smoldering skillet with sizzling Oaxaca cheese topped with chorizo or poblano peppers. 499 Washington Boulevard (Instagram)
Frankie
For a healthy take on brunch, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tastier spot than Frankie. The Australian-inspired restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh juices and smoothies with names like “The Hangover Helper.” However, it’s the food that’ll have you coming back. Favorites include the Crab Scramble (pictured), a delicious mix of scrambled eggs with crab meat, peanuts, and sprouts. If you like smoked salmon, the “Full Aussie” is a must. The hearty entree includes eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, and sourdough. 264 Grove Street (Menu)
Best Brunch in Jersey City — Our Picks
Uncle Momo 289 Grove (Menu)
Sam AM 112 Morris Street (Menu)
Cafe Alyce at 641 Montgomery (Menu)
Ani Ramen 218 Newark Avenue (Menu)
The Kitchen Step 500 Jersey Avenue (Menu)
Mathews 351 Grove (Menu)
Unica Cafe 454 Central (Menu)
Cafe Dolma 270 Grand (Menu)
Franklin Social 292 Barrow (Menu)
Roman Nose at 125 Newark Avenue (Menu)
Maggie’s Farm Espresso at 88 Morgan (Menu)
Gaia & Loki at 346 Grove (Menu)
Eira Mercearia at 24 Mercer (Instagram)
The Franklin at 159 New York Avenue (Menu)
Latham House at 299 Marin Boulevard (Menu)
Amelia’s Bistro at 187 Warren (Menu)
The Cliff at 38 Congress Street (Menu)
Martha’s at 308 Pacific Avenue (Menu)
Skinner’s Loft at 146 Newark Avenue (Menu)
Los Cuernos at 499 Washington Boulevard (Instagram)
Frankie at 264 Grove Street (Menu)
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