Editorial
Published September 6, 2023 · Last updated September 28, 2024 · Reviewed by the barsforKings editorial team
Ten New York bars our editors book for Mother's Day brunch — civilised pours, no DJ, an honest mimosa list.
Mother's Day brunch in New York is its own genre. Half the venues that pitch for it run a deafening DJ set and a £45 bottomless mimosa scheme; the other half quietly serve the best brunch in the room with no surcharge. Our editors only book the second category. These are the ten New York bars our team takes our own mothers to.
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Three Mother's Day rules. Book the 11am or 2pm slot — the noon-to-1pm window is loud. Skip the 'bottomless' offers; the picks on this list pour properly and the bill ends up the same. And ask the manager about a corner table when you book — most rooms on this list keep one back for family bookings.
James has been writing about hospitality for fifteen years and has a strong opinion about which corner table at every bar in this article is the right one.
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