Coffee Breakfast

Amy Ruth’s
This Harlem institution has been a destination for some of the city’s best waffles for 17 years. Over a dozen varieties are named after neighborhood notables, from the Reverend Al Sharpton, which comes with fried or smothered chicken, to the Sister Jannette Robinson, topped with fresh strawberries. A side of grits is a must here, too. Breakfast served all day.

Bubby’s
The stroller “parking lot” in front tips off passers-by that this is a favorite morning stop for Tribeca parents. Founded as a wholesale pie company 25 years ago, the fresh-baked goods are still a draw here, along with tasty eggs, pancakes and breakfast dishes served during their “midnight brunch, ” from 11pm to 7am. There is also a branch in the Meatpacking District, a convenient place to fuel up before an early walk on the High Line. Breakfast served 8am-11am.

Buvette
A side order of charm comes with everything at this West Village retreat, which has white marble trim, a pressed-tin ceiling, antique chairs and china hung on the walls. Look at the tables surrounding you, as each one will likely be graced with chef Jody Williams’ hard-to-resist signature: eggs steamed with a cappuccino foamer until they take on an incredibly fluffy scramble, served with prosciutto or smoked salmon. Breakfast served 8am-4pm.

This SoHo standard started a faux-French bistro craze when it opened in the ‘90s. One thing that Balthazar had that the others didn’t, however: a world-class patisserie. And the rest of the menu feels just as gussied-up — scrambled eggs come in puff pastry with wild mushrooms and asparagus, for example. The Gallic eatery is also a great spot to get a full English breakfast (two eggs, bacon, beans, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and fried bread), and it’s an absolute offense to not order a pastry, such as the sublime pain au chocolate. Breakfast served 7:30am-11:30am. 80 Spring St., 212-343-1274, learn more