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Little Ruby's Murray Hill
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Little Ruby's Murray Hill
8.4
Little Ruby’s brings an Australian café feel to Kips Bay, but its Bronte Burger has become as much of a draw as the brunch plates. Expect a lively room, strong coffee, and burgers built on soft buns with thoughtfully layered toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bronte Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Australian-style café where the signature Bronte Burger rivals brunch.
Who should go: Brunch lovers who still prioritize a serious burger.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners to skip peak waits.
What to order: Bronte Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, fries or hash browns.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist early on weekends; seats go quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited; garages within 1–2 blocks run $25–$35 for 2–3 hours.
Dress code: Trendy casual — jeans, sneakers, brunch dresses, and smart-casual fits all work well.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy but expect a steady brunch-time buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes, often faster if you arrive early
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burgers, salads, and multiple egg-based brunch options.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-based dishes and modifications available.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free buns sometimes available, but cross-contact risk exists.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lively atmosphere feels fun and low-pressure, and the menu gives you both brunch and burger options without feeling overly casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak brunch and dinner hours. Weekday visits and early arrival greatly improve your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come for brunch, and kids do well with burgers, fries, and breakfast plates, though strollers can feel tight during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Better for stylish brunch energy, coffee programs, and a more polished burger-and-brunch crossover experience than most nearby casual burger joints.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, laid-back burger experience or strictly late-night dining — this spot is more daytime and dinner-driven.
Little Ruby's Murray Hill
8.4
Little Ruby’s Murray Hill brings the Australian café playbook to 3rd Avenue, with ricotta hotcakes, avo toast, and all-day breakfast alongside coffee and cocktails. Expect a constant wait and a buzzy room, but also some of the most consistently loved brunch plates in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Hotcakes, Avo Toast, Breakfast Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Australian-style café with standout hotcakes and all-day brunch plates.
Who should go: Brunch fans fine with a wait for stronger café food.
When to visit: Early weekend openings or late lunch to avoid peak lines.
What to order: Ricotta Hotcakes, Avo Toast, Breakfast Bowl.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist early and request patio seating on mild days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on 3rd Avenue; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual-trendy — athleisure, jeans, and brunch dresses all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch hours — lively energy but conversations require a slightly raised voice.
Weekend wait: Breakfast/brunch-only concept — weekends typically see 45–75 minute waits during peak late morning.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes late morning; early afternoon is often close to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — numerous veggie-forward brunch plates including avocado toast, eggs, bowls, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — avocado toast, select salads, and modifications on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free bowls and egg plates available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — bright, energetic, and social with great coffee and shareable dishes, though peak brunch noise makes it better for casual than intimate dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in, but expect a wait on weekends; arriving before 9am or after 2pm dramatically improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for babies and toddlers in strollers during off-peak hours, but it’s not optimized for young kids during busy brunch rushes.
Best For
Better for: Instagram-worthy brunch plates, consistent hotcakes, and buzzy Australian café energy that outshines more traditional diners nearby.
Skip if: If you want a relaxed, quiet breakfast with immediate seating — classic neighborhood diners will be a smoother experience.
Little Ruby's Murray Hill
8.5
Little Ruby's Murray Hill brings the Australian café playbook to 3rd Avenue with ricotta hotcakes, avocado toast, and all-day breakfast plates. Part of a small local group dating back to 2002, it is one of the neighborhood's most consistently busy brunch rooms with a wait almost every weekend.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Hotcakes, Avo Toast, Breakfast Bowl
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Australian-style café known for ricotta hotcakes and all-day brunch.
Who should go: Brunch seekers fine with a wait for stronger café food.
When to visit: Early weekend openings or later afternoon to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Ricotta hotcakes, avo toast, a hearty breakfast bowl.
Insider tip: Join the online waitlist early and request patio seating on mild days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially on weekends; nearby garages on 3rd and 2nd Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and brunch-forward — athleisure, jeans, sneakers, and sundresses all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at the table, but the room stays energetic during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a breakfast and brunch destination.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes during late morning; little to no wait after 2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple standout vegetarian dishes including avocado toast, bowls, and hotcakes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls and toast variations can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free modifications available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s bright, upbeat, and trendy without feeling intimidating, making it great for casual daytime dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends; showing up early or after peak brunch hours improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids who enjoy breakfast foods, though the tight layout is less ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: More vibrant energy, trend-forward plating, and buzz than most classic neighborhood diners or coffee shops nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, no-wait breakfast or a space for long laptop sessions — this is built for turnover and social brunch.
Little Ruby's Murray Hill
8.0
Little Ruby's Murray Hill brings Australian café culture to a corner of 3rd Avenue, with the Bronte Burger serving as its late-night calling card. While it skews more all-day café than bar, the kitchen runs late enough that locals still rely on it for one last burger and a drink before heading home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bronte Burger with roasted tomatoes and lettuce, Crispy fries with house seasoning, Ricotta Hotcakes (for earlier visits)
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: An Australian-style café where the signature Bronte Burger plays just as well at 10pm as it does at lunch.
Who should go: Burger fans who prefer a brighter café vibe over a pub
When to visit: Evenings before the late closing window to avoid waits
What to order: Bronte Burger, fries, a cocktail or Aussie-style coffee
Insider tip: If the sidewalk seating is packed, check inside for a bar seat facing the open kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited on 3rd Ave, especially after 6pm. Nearby paid garages are your most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans, sneakers, and relaxed date-night outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate - lively but still easy to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak late evening without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several veg-friendly brunch plates, salads, and burger-style substitutes.
Vegan options: Limited - a few modifiable dishes and salads work, but it's not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Partial - some gluten-free substitutions available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual, bright, and relaxed with just enough energy to keep things fun without feeling like a bar scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and earlier evenings. Late weekends can fill fast, but bar seating often turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening hours, especially for families grabbing an early dinner. Late-night hours skew adult.
Best For
Better for: A late burger with a cleaner, café-style vibe instead of a rowdy bar atmosphere. It’s ideal for people who want food-first energy with cocktails as a bonus.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a true late-night party scene, heavy drinking focus, or big groups — nearby sports bars and pubs will fit better.
Little Ruby's Murray Hill
7.9
Little Ruby’s Murray Hill is an Australian-style cafe serving all-day brunch, bowls, and burgers with gluten-free bread, gluten-free fusilli, and clearly marked options. It’s a lively, patio-equipped choice when you need a gluten-free-friendly brunch or casual dinner that still feels social and buzzy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Bowl (request gluten-free adjustments), Big Breakfast with gluten-free toast, Pasta dishes with gluten-free fusilli
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Australian cafe with gluten-free bread and pasta woven into a brunch-heavy menu.
Who should go: Gluten-free brunch fans who still want a lively scene.
When to visit: Late-morning weekends or early evenings before peak crowds.
What to order: Crispy rice bowl, Bronte burger on gluten-free bread, gluten-free fusilli pasta.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for gluten-free bread or fusilli and confirm modifications with your server.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and highly competitive, especially on weekends; nearby garages are your best bet for hassle-free parking.
Dress code: Casual-chic—brunch-ready outfits, sneakers and jeans are common, but stylish attire fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—energetic buzz during peak brunch hours, but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak social hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of bowls, salads, and brunch plates suited for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some bowls and sides can be modified, but not a fully vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread, gluten-free fusilli, and clearly marked options throughout the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively without being overwhelming, offers casual shareable food, and keeps things relaxed and social.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early evenings, but weekend brunch can mean a wait—arrive early or be flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common during brunch hours, and the menu works well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Lively gluten-free-friendly brunch with a social, scene-driven vibe rather than quiet dining.
Skip if: You want a dedicated gluten-free kitchen or a calm, low-noise dining environment.
Little Ruby's Murray Hill
8.3
Little Ruby’s Murray Hill is an Australian-style cafe where all-day brunch, burgers, and bowls share space with a kids-friendly atmosphere and outdoor seating. Families use it for relaxed weekend brunches and early dinners when they want something livelier than a diner but still approachable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bronte Burger with fries, Crispy rice bowl, Avocado toast with poached eggs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Australian-leaning cafe fare with a lively, stroller-friendly brunch scene.
Who should go: Families wanting upbeat brunch without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Late-morning weekends or early evenings before peak waits.
What to order: Bronte Burger, crispy rice bowl, avocado toast with eggs.
Insider tip: Ask for a sidewalk table on mild days—kids get space to wiggle between courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and competitive during brunch hours; nearby commercial garages on 2nd and 3rd Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and brunch-ready outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy, but the room stays energetic during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation during peak early evening family hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple avocado-based dishes, salads, and egg-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls, salads, and toast options without dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations available — bowls and select substitutions offered, but not a fully gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime or casual first dates — it’s lively, relaxed, and low-pressure, but not ideal if you want romantic intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes during weekdays and early evenings; weekend brunch often requires a short wait without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — best for toddlers through grade-school age, with stroller access, flexible seating, and approachable food.
Best For
Better for: Energetic family brunches with trendier food and atmosphere than classic diners.
Skip if: You want quiet, romantic dining or a fine-dining-level service experience.