The Best Brunch in Downtown Brooklyn

Brunch in Downtown Brooklyn is so much more than just Cecconi’s and Celestine. When you step away from these hot spots’ huge crowds, you’ll find less hectic, more off-the-beaten-path brunch spots with equally delicious food and uniquely serene vibes.

Whether you’re looking for DUMBO or Flatbush Ave eats, morning or afternoon fare, or artisan coffee alongside your meal, our recommendations for the best (and most overlooked) brunch spots in Downtown Brooklyn have you covered.

Cafe Gitane

Address: 70 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway station: York St. F

Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. weekends

Although Cafe Gitane has locations in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and nearby Manhattan, its Downtown Brooklyn spot remains an overlooked brunch spot. Sit outdoors to feel the gentle Vinegar Hill breeze on your skin, or dine indoors to enjoy the quirky blue tile patterns and wall decor, including model airplanes.

At Cafe Gitane, classics like waffles get gourmet twists such as orange blossom flavors. If you’re more drawn to lunch than breakfast, heartier meals such as baked pasta are available no matter what time you show up. Roll out of bed, enjoy your wake and bake tea from Harney Brothers Cannabis, and head on over, or arrive mid-afternoon after a lengthy morning routine.

BEEPUBLIC

Address: 181 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway station: York St. F

Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays

For an elevated twist on a brunch cafe, head to BEEPUBLIC right near the Manhattan Bridge. Grab a table with a small group of friends, or bring your laptop or a book with you for a solo brunch amid verdant indoor plants and floor-to-ceiling windows. This Downtown Brooklyn brunch spot is also a great choice for your eco-conscious crew — its name comes from its mission of saving the bees by using only clean, fair-trade ingredients and good manufacturing practices.

As the menu goes, coffee and tea abound, and English muffin breakfasts, avocado toast, and lunch empanadas are among the food highlights. You can also enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails alongside brunch staples such as mimosas — all without long wait times and competitive reservations. Or, if you prefer THC-infused drinks, bring an Ayrloom seltzer along for the ride — learn all about these beverages via our Ayrloom drink review.

AlMar

Address: 111 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway station: York St. F

Hours: Brunch available on weekends from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunlight pours into AlMar from the southern-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, and the fun trapezoid-like light fixtures add modern charm. Choose this spot if you want your Downtown Brooklyn brunch adventure to include a selfie or group pic at the iconic DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View at Water and Washington Streets.

Once your group is seated at AlMar, get started with Italian appetizers such as bruschetta or meatballs. After that, treat yourself to fluffy eggs, seasonal daily fish, or the fine dining must-try of a wagyu beef burger. The food here is especially mind-blowing when you have the munchies, so as you arrive, take a discreet hit from a Hepworth vape. Your stomach might be grumbling, and your mouth might be watering, by the time you’re seated.

Brooklyn Bridge Bistro

Address: 63 Tillary St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway stations: Borough Hall 2/3, Court St R, Jay St-MetroTech A/C/F

Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekdays and weekends

Brooklyn Bridge Bistro might be the most inconspicuous brunch spot on this list. Nestled under everyday brick-faced apartments, you might think its sign in big, cursive-like letters is for a fancy bodega — but Brooklyn Bridge Bistro is even better. Step inside, and you’ll see cozy tables for two or four and plant life extending from the walls and ceiling. And then, you’ll sense the mouthwatering aromas of classic American brunch foods.

Brooklyn Bridge Bistro’s all-day dining menu leans into breakfast vibes with fan-favorite omelettes and refreshing iced coffees. You’ll also find pulled pork sandwiches and black bean burgers for more of a lunch selection. It’s usually manageable to find a seat here, so take your time at home beforehand with some Ruby pre-rolls to elevate the brunch you’re heading to momentarily.

Dawn’s ‘Til Dusk

Address: 33 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway stations: York St. F, High St. A/C

Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekdays and weekends

With colorful and cheeky murals galore, the woman-owned Downtown Brooklyn spot Dawn’s ‘Til Dusk brings even more fun to brunch. There are seats right in front of the largest mural, or if you like to people-watch, grab an outdoor table — you’ll be at the bustling intersection of Main Street and Water Street. The menu is divided into Dawn, Midday, and Dusk to provide options whether you show up as doors open at 8 a.m. or near 7 p.m. when weekend lunch ends.

Choose a breakfast sandwich, dig into a grilled cheese, or share an Italian snack plate or cheese plate with the table. Order wine, beer, lemonade, coffee, or tea to round out the experience. Bring Off Hours’ syrup or gummies with you for a burst of serenity amid all the sensory delights.

Botte Brooklyn

Address: 327 Gold St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway stations: DeKalb Av. B/Q/R, Jay St.-MetroTech A/C/F, Hoyt St. 2/3

Hours: 12 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. weekdays and weekends

If you prefer a heartier brunch, Botte Brooklyn might be right up your alley. Amid this Downtown Brooklyn spot’s exposed brick interiors and plush leather booths, filling and savory delights such as whipped ricotta and fried burrata jumpstart the adventure. From there, pasta, fish, meat, or pizza is the main fare. Choose the Capricciosa pizza for brunch vibes on a slice — it’s topped with, among other delights, hard-boiled eggs.

If Botte Brooklyn sounds like the type of brunch spot that could have you feeling full fast, get yourself ready for the challenge beforehand. Concentrates and live resin carts from Rythm might be just the ticket to get you there.

Butler

Address: 40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nearest subway stations: York St. F, High St. A/C

Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekdays, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekends

Although Butler is best known as a bake shop and espresso bar, the breakfast and lunch menus at its DUMBO location offer the best of brunch. Settle in under the array of potted plants organized neatly just under the ceiling, or choose outdoor seating to gaze at the cobblestone road and giant window shutters across the street. Take in the vast baked goods selection at the counter, then put in your brunch order.

Downtown Brooklyn brunch staples such as avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches are on the menu at Butler, as are tart, bright acai bowls and granola parfaits. Enjoy a salad in bready form with the Caesar wrap, or indulge big-time with the slow-roasted pork sandwich. Step outside at any point to give yourself a boost with Fernway’s vapes — they may help you feel uplifted, energized, and focused on all the great conversations to come over brunch.

Tips for your Downtown Brooklyn brunch and cannabis trek

The delicious food and elevated experiences awaiting you go better with these tips in mind.

Start low and go slow. Better a gentle lift than flying super close to the sun. Enjoy a small amount of your cannabis products at first, and if you aren’t where you want to be in an hour or so, only then should you consume more. Starting low and going slow is the best way to stay balanced at brunch.

Be discreet if you’re consuming outside your home. Restaurants are distinctly not on the list of places where you can smoke in NYC. If flower or pre-rolls are on your cannabis rotation, enjoy them at home before heading out. Vapes are not allowed in non-smoking areas, either, so use your judgment. For fully discreet vibes, edibles and THC drinks are your best bet for consuming on the fly at any brunch spot.

Make a reservation if necessary. At an especially upscale restaurant like AlMar or Botte Brooklyn, a reservation might be the difference between getting a table and missing out. Consider saving your spot to ensure uninterrupted travel.

Start brunch off on the right foot with The Travel Agency

Before you make your way to brunch, visit The Travel Agency’s Downtown Brooklyn dispensary location to add some transcendence to your hang. Not exactly sure how to find the spark you’re seeking? Ask our budtenders — we’re always happy to guide you through the intricate world of cannabis. At The Travel Agency, we’re here to make your next brunch the meal of a lifetime.