Five Best Weekend Brunch Spots on the Upper East Side

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Brunch just might be the most essential meal of the weekend in New York City. From upscale establishments to cozy, quaint restaurants, the Upper East Side has the brunch game down pat.

Sit down, relax and kick off your weekend right with a breakfast cocktail and impressive food to match.

1. Sarahbeth's

Sarabeth's is a well-known New York City hotspot, often frequented by celebrities and other high-end patrons. There are five different Sarabeth's, with the Upper East Side location at 1295 Madison Ave. You can close your eyes, point to anything on the menu and leave satisfied, but highlights include: the lemon & ricotta pancakes, the jumbo lump crab cake sandwich and the adult grilled cheese. Great food doesn't come cheap at this establishment, however, so make sure to come after a pay day.

Alexandra R. said on Yelp, "Did I came here because I saw it on Real Housewives of NYC? Yes. Would I come back? HECK YES!"

2. Cafe D'Alsace

Local Upper East Siders swear by Cafe D'Alsace's brunch, hence the reason why it's always jam-packed on the weekend. This French restaurant offers three amazingly fresh crepe options: strawberry, pear and chestnut, and ham and comte. The omlette lorraine is a must-try, as well as the grilled boudin blanc and smoked pork sausages. The inside is casual and welcoming and the food will keep you coming back every time you're in the area. Cafe D'Alsace is located at 1694 Second Ave.

Noushky F. said on Yelp, "Will I come here again? : Bien Sur. You didn't know I spoke French? I didn't know either. I'm coming back to this cafe for a date. I think it would be beneficial to me that I know if the date doesn't go well at least I will have a doggy bag to appreciate."

3. The Louise

The Louise is the most casual brunch spot on this list by far, so it's a perfect place after the next morning of a big night out when you don't feel like getting dressed up. Kick back at this bar with a group of friends and a Tito's Bloody Mary at 1586 York Ave. Don't miss the maple butter pretzel croissant, the geez Louise or the berry butter French toast.

Courtney J. on Yelp said, "This place is lovely. The staff are warm and friendly and I was thrilled to find they offer avocado on toast — and on gluten free bread! We will definitely be back. If you're looking for a laid-back, friendly place for a weekend brunch definitely hit up The Louise."

4. The Penrose

An Upper East Side gem with a boozey brunch — what more needs to be said? With amazing drinks like the dirty pickle martini and bourbon milk punch, you're bound to want some food with your booze. From their fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, soft shell crab B.L.T. and oyster sliders, you can't go wrong with anything at The Penrose. This laid-back, yet delicious joint is located at 1590 Second Ave.

Bryan F. on Yelp said, "I can't say enough about this place. Five stars on every level: service, atmosphere, cocktails, and food."

5. Jones Wood Foundry

It's called a "food driven pub" for a reason. This British gastropub is found at 401 E. 76th St. Jones Wood Foundry offers delicious British fare, such as the JWF English breakfast, fish and chips and tomatoes on toast. It's almost as if you took a red eye to London. The food is impeccable and the drinks are plentiful, with many beer, cocktail and wine options. Pip, pip, cheerio!

Lynsey H. on Yelp said, "This place reminds me of the pubs back home in England! I was really happy to try it after finally being somewhat near the location a couple of weekends ago. I loved the English decor, the tube sign, red letterbox and English rugby shirt on the wall!"

Photo courtesy of Matheus Swanson via Flickr