NYC Brunch Guide for College Students on a Budget

New York City is known for its delicious, mouth-watering brunches, but when you’re a student on a strict college budget, it can be frustrating to live next door to the most expensive brunch spots. Sometimes it seems like the closest I can get to delectable avocado toast and stacks of warm pancakes is looking at pictures on Instagram as I fill myself with food envy. Despite the high prices of NYC food, there is a way to enjoy decadent brunch without destroying your wallet. Remember, it is important to treat yourself amidst the omnipresent stress that is college, so indulge yourself in weekend brunch and check out some of my favorite city spots.

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1. MUD Coffee | 307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003

MUD Coffee is an East Village hotspot known for its charming outdoor courtyard and all day brunch menu. MUD began as a “Mudtruck,” a converted van that parks itself in various East Village spots selling its own coffee and brunch treats. Its cozy ambiance, vintage vibes, friendly service, and giant cups of coffee make it a go-to destination for brunch, anytime of the day!

Check it out: https://www.mudnyc.com/pages/mudspot

Pro-tip: It gets extremely busy on weekends during peak brunch hours, so plan accordingly – and it’s cash only!

What to order: For those students 21+, opt for the $18.50 deal that comes with any main dish. I recommend the almond encrusted French toast, a tap beer and a mimosa, or enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice and a mud drip coffee with your meal.

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2. Bluestone Lane | Multiple locations

Who doesn’t love employees with Australian accents? Bluestone Lane is inspired by the coffee culture of Melbourne, Australia, bringing a taste of the land down under to the U.S. There are numerous Bluestone locations throughout the city, as well as in Philadelphia, Hoboken, and soon to be in San Francisco, King of Prussia, and Westchester, NY. If you want to grab and go, check out their coffee shops that have a limited menu, but still serve their staple dishes and good vibes. For a dine-in experience, eat at their cafés, which serve fresh all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner appetizers, and offer many gluten-free and vegan options.

Check it out: https://www.bluestonelaneny.com/

What to order: Avocado smash with lox and an almond chai tea latte.

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3. Tompkins Square Bagels | 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

New York City is famous for its bagel culture, crafting fresh, affordable breakfast staples that are indigenous to the Big Apple. You have probably heard (or seen on Instagram) about Tompkins Square Bagels’ unique cream cheese flavors that feature exotic flavors from espresso, to wasabi, to chocolate chip cookie dough, to pear…. The list goes on and on. TSB is a neighbourhood spot that provides the comfort of warm, fluffy bagels to East Village locals and wanderers. Their innovative cream cheese options provide something for every taste bud, making it difficult to find a better bagel in the city.

Check it out: http://tompkinssquarebagels.com/

Pro-tip: If you are vegan or sensitive to dairy, try TSB’s delicious tofu cream cheese, which tastes just like the real thing.

What to order: Whole wheat everything bagel with veggie tofu cream cheese.

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4. San Marzano | 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

While San Marzano is known for its cheap and delicious pasta dishes, it is also the perfect destination for a weekend, boozy brunch with your friends. Their menu is notable for its $3 bottomless coffee and $10 bottomless mimosas (with a food dish). All of their food options from French toast to meatball pressed paninis are under $10 dollars, ensuring that you will have leftover money for a weekend trip to the Union Square farmer’s market and village thrift shopping.

Check it out: http://sanmarzanonyc.com/

Pro-tip: You should expect a wait for this bargain brunch, so plan accordingly and explore the charms of the East Village while you wait for your name to be called.

What to order: San Marzano omelette with bottomless coffee.

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5. Ciao For Now | 523 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009

Ciao For Now is a family-owned and operated market-to-table restaurant that serves daily specials and a healthy, all day brunch menu, using fresh and organic ingredients. If you are feeling homesick, you can get a taste of your mom’s comfort food with The Miceli Family’s homestyle cooking and cozy environment. Make sure to check out their fresh baked goods that perfectly compliment a cup of coffee in the morning.

Check it out: http://ciaofornownyc.com/

What to order: Famous Grandma Linda’s pancakes with butter and pure maple syrup

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6. Cafe Orlin | 41 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

Located on St. Marks Street, Cafe Orlin serves unique, Middle Eastern styled dishes in addition to quality American breakfast and brunch classics. You can enjoy your brunch outside on their popular street-side patio on a nice day, or inside to escape the brutal NYC wind. Come for the quick, affable service and stay for the tasty food.

Check it out: http://www.cafeorlin.com/

Pro-tip: They have gluten-free menus available!

What to order: Two eggs any style, pancakes and a cappuccino.

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7. Citizens of Chelsea | 401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001

Citizens of Chelsea is inspired by Australia’s notable fresh brunch dishes and the bold flavors of Melbourne brewed coffee (I sense a trend in the Aussie brunch influence). Located in charming Chelsea, this adorable cafe serves avocado toast, coffee and other breakfast delights all day. The bright teal coffee cups match the walls and succulent filled space create a welcoming ambiance and great natural lighting for all of your food pictures. After eating here, you will feel like a true citizen of Chelsea.

Check it out: http://www.citizensofchelsea.com/

What to order: Brekkie sandwich with a matcha latte.

Pro-tip: They don’t take reservations, so get there early!

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8. Tom’s Restaurant | 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Seinfeld fans will recognize Tom’s Restaurant as the hit show’s Monk’s Cafe frequented by Jerry, George and Elaine. Tom’s Restaurant is a Greek-American family-owned restaurant in Morningside Heights that has been in business since the 1940s. It is a staple for locals and Columbia students alike, serving a wide variety of home-cooked food from omelettes to cheeseburgers. Make sure to listen to the 1982 song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega on your way to eat, which was inspired by, you guessed it, Tom’s Restaurant.

Check it out: http://www.tomsrestaurant.net/

What to order: Lumberjack: two pancakes, two eggs any style, one sausage, two strips of bacon and toast. If you have room, check out their incredible milkshakes!

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9. The Grey Dog | Multiple Locations

The Grey Dog is your quintessential hipster spot, where servers reserve customers’ tables with different colored bandanas. It is a self-serving experience, so you order at the counter and grab your own silverware, water, napkins and condiments. No matter what NYC location you go to, you can always expect great music, friendly staff and delicious, large portions. For those indecisive eaters, the extensive, diverse menu will make your breakfast or brunch choice a difficult one, but no matter what you choose, you will leave full and satisfied.

Check it out: https://thegreydog.com/

Pro-tip: While dining, make sure to take a look at your table, each one featuring a map of a different state.

What to order: The Grey Dog’s breakfast: eggs any style, French toast or pancakes, and bacon, sausage, or ham, and a Mexican hot chocolate.

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10. Two Hands | 164 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

You will definitely need two hands to enjoy this delicious brunch spot. Two Hands is a community-based cafe that serves nutritious and fresh food in a light and airy plant-fill space. The Australian-influenced food and interior will serve as solace from the streets of the concrete jungle. Stop by the Two Hands casual cafe on Mott Street for fresh juices and healthy brunch options, or eat at their restaurant/bar on Church Street for a more sophisticated (and a bit more pricey) dining experience.