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Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant
8.9
Clinton St. Baking Company is a Lower East Side landmark for American-style breakfast and brunch, known for towering pancakes and Southern-influenced plates. Open since 2001, it draws constant lines for dishes that balance comfort with well-executed technique in a compact, always-busy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blueberry pancakes, Buttermilk fried chicken & waffles, Latke eggs Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A long-running brunch institution serving standout pancakes and hearty American plates.
Who should go: Brunch lovers willing to wait for top-tier pancakes
When to visit: Early weekday mornings or off-peak afternoons to avoid lines
What to order: Blueberry pancakes, fried chicken & waffles, latke eggs Benedict
Insider tip: Join the wait list early and consider a weekday visit for a noticeably shorter queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Clinton and Rivington are scarce during brunch hours. Plan for garage parking 2–3 blocks away if arriving by car.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; anything from jeans and sneakers to weekend brunch attire fits comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch, with steady chatter and clatter; quiet enough to converse but not ideal for sensitive ears.
Weekend wait: Dinner service is limited and usually manageable with a 0–15 minute wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though a short queue can form around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of options including pancakes, egg dishes, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited; most dishes include dairy or eggs, but a few sides and modifications can work.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free upon request, though not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual morning or mid-afternoon date if you want comfort food and a lively neighborhood atmosphere, but less ideal if you want intimate conversation or quiet ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Expect long waits during brunch peak hours, so join the list early or target weekday mornings for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly; staff is accustomed to families, portions are approachable, and weekend mornings often include strollers and young children.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional pancakes and American brunch staples executed with consistency; perfect for classic breakfast cravings.
Skip if: If you dislike waiting in lines, want a quieter dining room, or need extensive vegan options, consider alternatives with more space or broader dietary flexibility.
Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant
8.9
Since 2001, this narrow Clinton Street spot has drawn lines for pancakes, egg plates, and weekday breakfast that feel like a ritual as much as a meal. The kitchen turns out consistently excellent baked goods and griddled breakfasts that justify the wait, even if the space stays tight and bustling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes, Latke Eggs Benedict, Spanish Scramble
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Line-worthy pancakes and classic breakfast plates in a tiny, always-busy room.
Who should go: Brunch fans willing to wait for top-tier pancakes.
When to visit: Early morning on weekdays to minimize the line.
What to order: Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes, Latke Eggs Benedict, Spanish Scramble.
Insider tip: Arrive right at opening on weekdays and sit at the counter to cut your wait time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots can be tough during peak brunch hours. Aim for side streets north of Delancey for the best luck.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Most guests arrive in everyday wear; no need to dress up for the wait.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Conversations are possible but expect a steady hum during brunch peaks.
Weekend wait: N/A — breakfast and brunch focus; closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes, though spikes to 30+ minutes during peak tourist seasons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — pancakes, egg plates, and several sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — menu leans heavily on eggs, dairy, and baked items; vegans may only find a few suitable sides.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some plates can be modified, but pancakes and baked goods are not gluten-free; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual morning dates — the food is exceptional and the energy is upbeat, but the tight space and wait times make it less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate largely on a walk-in system. Arrive at opening or visit late morning on weekdays to avoid the long queues.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come for pancakes and eggs, but space is tight and there’s limited stroller room. Best for kids ages 5+ who don’t need highchairs.
Best For
Better for: Standout pancakes and consistently high-level breakfast plates that outperform most LES brunch spots in quality and execution.
Skip if: You want a spacious room, quiet brunch, or minimal wait times — consider alternatives if you prefer comfort and speed over legendary pancakes.
Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant
8.6
Clinton Street Baking Company is a tiny Lower East Side institution where blueberry pancakes, biscuit sandwiches, and all-day breakfast draw lines down the block. Brunch tourists mix with locals at tightly spaced tables, turning the dining room into a kind of informal theater for pancake service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blueberry pancakes with maple butter, Buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, Buttermilk biscuit sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A long-running brunch magnet where pancakes and biscuits helped put Lower East Side breakfast on the map.
Who should go: Pancake fans willing to trade time in line for iconic stacks.
When to visit: Early weekday mornings or off-peak hours to minimize waits.
What to order: Blueberry pancakes, biscuit sandwich, fried chicken and waffles.
Insider tip: Arrive right at opening or closer to closing for the best shot at a shorter wait without sacrificing the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on Clinton Street, especially during brunch rush; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Essex or Delancey.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most diners wear relaxed weekend attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch; conversation is possible but expect a hum of constant turnover.
Weekend wait: They’re known for brunch, not dinner; evenings tend to be manageable with minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate wait, typically 10–20 minutes depending on tourist traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of options including pancakes, veggie scrambles, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes include dairy or eggs; modifications may be possible but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: A few items can be prepared gluten-free, including some scrambles and salads, but pancakes and biscuits are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, low-pressure brunch where food is the star; less ideal if you want something intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most people walk in. Expect waits during peak times; arriving at opening or late afternoon helps minimize the line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu appeals to kids of all ages and the staff is used to families, though space is tight and strollers may need to stay outside.
Best For
Better for: Iconic pancakes and comfort brunch classics executed at a higher level than most LES brunch spots.
Skip if: You want a calm, spacious setting or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.