ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Greenpoint
Master Critic Review
Five Leaves
8.2
Five Leaves is a long-running Australian-influenced American bistro where ricotta pancakes, burgers, and grain bowls fuel a nonstop brunch-and-all-day crowd. It’s as much a neighborhood hangout as a destination, with sidewalk tables and an all-purpose menu that works from first coffee to late-night burger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta pancakes, Five Leaves Burger, Kale Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A veteran Greenpoint café-bar that helped define the neighborhood’s brunch culture.
Who should go: Brunch people who want ricotta pancakes and a proper burger.
When to visit: Late-morning weekdays or off-peak weekend hours to avoid lines.
What to order: Ricotta pancakes, Five Leaves Burger, fries or kale Caesar.
Insider tip: Use the bar seats or outdoor tables for faster access than the main waitlist at peak brunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—competitive near McCarren Park and busiest on weekends; meters and alternate-side rules apply.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—athleisure and jeans are common, but brunch crowds lean stylish.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible inside but easiest on the sidewalk patio.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes, longer if weather is good and outdoor tables are in demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, aside from peak brunch spillover hours around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple salads, bowls, and sides, plus vegetarian mains depending on specials.
Vegan options: Limited—some bowls and salads can be modified, but core dishes lean dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Partial—grain bowls and salads help, but pancakes and sandwiches dominate the menu; cross-contact likely.
Best For
Better for: Brunch variety, iconic pancakes, and all-day café energy that feels like the neighborhood’s heartbeat.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet fine dining, strict gluten-free or vegan depth, or guaranteed no-wait brunch service on weekends.