NYC: Brunch at Clinton Street Baking Co. – Pancakes, bacon, and warm maple butter

Last month, Oluva and I found ourselves in New York City at the same time, so of course we had to meet for brunch. Oluva and I go way back. We were part of the same batch of brand new cabin crew more than 20 years ago, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. Oluva is still working as a cabin crew, traveling around the world, and this time, her journey brought her to New York City.

We decided to meet at Clinton Street Baking Co., which is an old favorite of mine from when Ana and I were roommates in the Lower East Side. Back then, brunch was synonymous with Clinton Street Baking Co, but I hadn’t been there since the pandemic kicked in, so I was super excited to finally be back.

Clinton Street Baking Co. is renowned for hearty Southern food and large servings. I usually order the blueberry pancakes, which are served with warm maple butter and taste amazing. To enhance the experience, I order a side of bacon for dipping because yes, it’s as good as it sounds! Oluva had never tried chicken and waffles, so she decided to give it a go, and she was not disappointed, and I agree, the chicken & waffles at Clinton Street Baking Co. is not bad at all. Another item on the menu that I often end up ordering is the Eggs Benedict with salmon. Both the Hollandaise sauce and the salmon are consistently top-notch and I don’t think I’ve had a better Eggs Benedict anywhere, ever.

Pro tip: if you ‘re considering brunch at Clinton St., do yourself a favor and make a reservation in advance. Oluva and I waited for more than 30 minutes, which felt like an eternity given how hungry we were. Don’t make the same mistake; book a table in advance.

Clinton Street Baking Co., 4 Clinton St, Lower East Side, New York