Long Island is known for its diners that are located literally in every town. While there is nothing quite like greasy diner food, sometimes eating at places known for their incredible brunch menu is worth it. At these 3 must-try brunch spots on Long Island, there are so many options to choose from, and I never know what to get. Each meal is creative, delicious, and perfect for any basic girl looking to up her Insta game.
One of the reasons why I love coming home from college is because of the amazing brunch I have access to. Taking a break from dining hall pancakes or boxed cereal on my way to class is always a plus, and what better way to do it by posting a picture of my meal on my Snap story? Whether you’re from the 516 or 631, you don’t want to miss out on these 3 must-try brunch spots on Long Island.
1. Morning Rose Cafe
Morning Rose is the perfect place to go to if you’re looking for the bed and breakfast vibe. While not actually a B&B, you wouldn’t know it by the decor and friendliness of the staff. I highly recommend coming here at an off time or during the week to avoid the crowds, but if you do get stuck waiting, the wait is worth it.
Morning Rose specializes in all types of breakfast and lunch foods. There are seasonal menus so the food is always changing. My favorite on the menu are the French toast bites. Pictured above are the classic bites with fresh berries and whipped cream. The French toast is perfectly crispy, and the berries actually are very fresh.
Pictured here are the churro French toast bites. For all of you cinnamon lovers, this is without a doubt the best choice on the menu for you. This dish comes with caramel sauce and so many French toast bites. You truly feel like you are eating an authentic churro for breakfast. What can be better than that?
Morning Rose is one of the places I always go to when I am home from college. Every item I have ordered off of the menu has been so good that I never know what to order the next time I come in. Morning Rose is closed on Mondays so make sure you visit any other day of the week.
Location: 317 Bedford Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710
2. Brownstones Coffee
Recently opened in West Islip, Brownstones Coffee is the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday. If you couldn’t tell from its name, Brownstones also specializes in coffee. In addition to your basics, this brunch spot also offers cinnamon dolce lattes, seasonal coffee drinks, and white chocolate mocha lattes. If you ever want a break from Starbucks, Brownstones is the place to be to get your caffeine fix for the day.
Pictured above are the French toast bites with peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and banana. I honestly forgot I was eating brunch because this literally tasted like dessert. It took me so long to decide on what to order because everything sounded so good. Naturally, I went back the next week.
This time, I ordered the classic French toast bites, and just like Morning Rose, the berries were actually fresh. This is the most popular item on the menu so it’s definitely worth trying. Also noteworthy is the avocado toast. There are a bunch of different avo toasts to choose from, but at the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with avocado.
While Brownstones is a bit of a hike for those of you from Nassau County, it’s worth a visit. There is seriously an option for everyone, even if you’re not a breakfast person. I have never heard one complaint while in this restaurant, and I’m looking forward to going back when I am home for Spring Break.
Location: 306 Union Blvd, West Islip, NY 11795
3. Parlay Gastropub
Parlay, located in Rockville Center, is a really cool place to try on a weekend. While brunch is served only on Saturdays and Sundays here, the food is so delicious. Each dish comes with a complimentary mimosa (if you’re of age), or you have the option to order bottomless ones for $12 a person.
Pictured above is the s’mores waffle. As an avid chocolate lover, I was drawn to this during my recent visit. There’s so much chocolate on this waffle, and the crumbled graham crackers add an extra crunch to this dish. S’mores are one of my favorite desserts so eating this on top of a crispy waffle was the best combination imaginable for me.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon roll pancakes are a great option. I was torn between ordering these or ordering the waffle, but luckily, my mom ordered the pancakes so I was able to try them. There was just the right amount of cinnamon and icing to make this dish sweet but not too sweet. If pancakes are your favorite breakfast food, then you should order these when you obviously try Parlay.
Parlay is definitely a tasty, modern place to try when looking for brunch. I recommend making a reservation because the place gets packed at peak brunch times, especially since brunch is offered only on weekends. Anything you order will satisfy your taste buds so don’t waste anymore time and go try Parlay.
Location: 210 Merrick Rd, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Long Island is one of the best places to have grown up on because of not only its location, but also because of its endless food options. While LI is known for its diners, which are still incredible, sometimes brunch at other places is a nice change.
These 3 must-try brunch spots on Long Island are all very similar, yet unique. While all 3 are delicious, each has its own twist on classic breakfast options. No matter which you decide to eat at (even though you should go to all 3), you won’t be disappointed.