Someone asked me what's your favorite brunch in the city. Dayamnnnn..! Thass a hard question. Still, Sarabeth's--and this location in particular--comes to mind. (It hasn't won. As a jury of one, the jury's still out on this.) Why because... - It's cheery in spirit and decor as brunch in Melinda's dreams should be. - The food is consistently really yummy. - You'll leave full but not in the ughhhh-I'm-gonna-pass-out-with-food-coma way, more in the can-we-come-back-tomorrow way. What have I tried and would recommend... - either of the eggs benedict - four flowers juice - sunnyside up eggs - side of bacon - side of chicken apple sausage - buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and bananas - lemon and ricotta pancakes with berries - regular french toast with strawberries and bananas ::mental note: Whoa... that's odd. I've never had their pumpkin waffle. On the to do list.:: Man...... I don't even know if I should tell you my tip. Arghhhh fine... Here's my tip. Bring someone/thing to distract you while you wait for a table that will be 1.5-2 hrs long. I kid you not more than twice, just staying around with your party completely present, not giving the hostess attitude, actingggg exasperated at the ridiculously long wait, and then watching as people get fed up and leave... has gotten us tables for 2 and 3 within 30 mins. THERE! That's the secret.
(4)
Richard S.
This has to be one of the best breakfast experiences I've had in a LONG time. Some friends and I came here (kinda reluctantly, since it was in the morning) and it was totally worth it. I was planning on getting some eggs that morning, but the lemon ricotta pancakes caught my eye, and so I couldn't resist as if it were a Victoria Secret model. I'm very glad I did get it, because it was phenomenal. The taste was just the right amount of "lemon" and had a great fluffy, creamy texture. Best pancakes I've probably ever eaten. I also had the chance to sample my friend's omelettes, and they were pretty good. The insides were very moist and soft, and there was a good amount of bacon/leek/potato ratio to eggs. My other friend got the Goldie Lox, and that was pretty good too. The lox itself was salty, but the combination of eggs and cream cheese with the lox proved to be delicious. I would highly recommend this place for breakfast or even a brunch. Definitely beats most breakfast joints.
(4)
Eros A.
Came here for a breakfast meeting one morning and it was very lovely. I love breakfast outside and this offered just that, seating outdoors while sipping coffee and having a very enjoyable conversation. Food was just basic American breakfast, coffee, and some of the classics. Staff was a bit inattentive at first, but once we got their attention they just kept coming and checking on us. Another place that I could easily say that I will be going back to.
(4)
Calvin H.
This place is a top brunch pick in the city. Certainly makes my top 5 list. I have eaten here several times, and the food is always excellent. Delicious. Eggs, french toast, pancakes - all are fabulous. So is the orange juice. Decor is nice. Eat here, be happy.
(5)
Peco P.
This place is clearly overpriced. Not to mention the 18% gratuity included ... Compare it with places like "Public", "Extra Virgin" or "Five leaves" and you'll see the difference.
(1)
Maggie P.
Guess what, Sarabeth's? I think I'm in love. Your restaurant reminds me of the interior of a oversized teacup. Your pastels make every day feel like Easter Sunday. Your eggs...fluffy. Delicious. I've gotten the Papa Bear porridge before - that's the kind with strawberries and bananas I think - and it's really solid but usually I go for the garden omelette, because I am a sucker for, of all things, broccoli, in my eggs. (12-year-old me, are you still in there somewhere?) Honestly this restaurant is relaly good but be mindful of who you take and when. DO take your girlfriends visiting from out of town. The only who won't mind waiting 40 minutes for a table outside because they, like you, love a "bread" basket filled with scones, biscuits and muffins. DON'T take your giant of a father who would rather crush a teacup than sit and eat in one. Yes, even though you know he'll wake up early enough to make a 8:45 reservation (Sarabeth's doesn't take reservations after 9.) He will NOT appreciate the delicacy of the lemon ricotta pancakes and will snarl at the bill.
(5)
Cleo K.
Thus far in my journey to find the city's best eggs benedict, Sarabeth's sits at the number two spot. Their thick english muffin is delicious, and the extra spices don't get lost in the thick hollandaise sauce. It's extra yummy, especially with a Sarabeth's bloody marry, which are always poured generously and come with lots of spice and junk inside. For having the second best eggs benedict and the BEST bloody mary in the city, I should give Sarabeths a 5 rating. But they just jacked up the price on the eggs benedict by over 5 dollars a couple of months ago. In fact, they jacked up all of their prices. It's worth the price, but come on guys :)
(4)
Kali M.
Really, really good breakfast/brunch. Hubby and I stopped here during our last visit to New York and thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast (eggs benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes). Being avid LA brunchers, any spot has quite a bit to live up to - and Sarabeth's held it's ground. It's certainly cramped and the ambiance is a titch lacking (somehow leaning toward the diner end of the spectrum), but hey, it's New York!
(4)
Alex E.
AMAZING breakfast, just amazing. About the wait, if you can't get out of bed to get there by 8-9am on a weekend then call ahead for a reservation... that's all it takes.. I've heard people on line complain that they don't take breakfast recommendations for two people but have called them and was told that's simply not true. Every breakfast/brunch place has a long wait on the weekends... and I don't think you'll get these waffles or pancakes at a dinner up the block. I LOVE their pancakes - LOVE them, riccota and traditional. Omlettes are pretty good. Bakery items like toast and rolls are soo good (but I could just eat bread for three meals a day and be very happy!) Four flowers juice is a little hyped-up but it's yummy, and their teas are especially good. *very* upper west side vibe, which I kind of like, I've always been seated within earshot of some quirky people and it still doesnt feel too loud for me to enjoy an early morning meal. I've come here for dinner once, I think it was early on a friday evening, maybe 6-7 and the place was almost completely empty... had the meatloaf then which was just what I was in the mood for - very good mashed potatos on the side, though the whole thing was a touch saltier than I wold like.
(4)
Zoey R.
Everyone needs a Jewish Uncle. Especially one that has an in at Sarabeth's. Mine goes by the name Uncle Bob. In a recent invitation to brunch he referred to Sarabeth's as "this neighborhood joint your aunt and I like to frequent." "Neighborhood joint?" I thought to myself, wondering if he was in-fact referring to the same Sarabeth's brand of hot chocolate and preserves seen on the top shelves of specialty food stores in places as far away from New York as San Francisco. "They make excellent hamburgers" he told me, trying to appeal to the staple food that every young American finds pleasurable. It was unnecessary. He had me at brunch. "Excellent," he continued, "the boss (my Aunt Kathy) and I will pick you up for our regular 11:30 reservation." True to my hopeful imagination, Sarabeth's is the originator of Sarabeth's preserves and hot chocolate, with Sarabeth's West as their original restaurant location. Their brunch menu consists of fresh and delicately prepared dishes with bright, fun names like a small bowl of porridge with milk and honey, "Baby Bear" (7) and similar offerings with the names "Mama Bear" and "Papa Bear." They also serve a variety of eggs and omeletts, sweet breakfast items like pancakes and french toast with fresh fruit, and lunch salads and sandwiches. There are, however, no burgers available on the brunch menu. "No burgers?" Uncle Bob asked of our waiter, "I promised my grand niece here one of your famous sirloin burgers." "It's okay Uncle Bob," I retorted, "I was really actually eyeballing the Salmon Eggs Benedict with Irish smoked salmon (15.50)." "I'll have the Opened Faced Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sandwich with matchstick fries (15.50)," Aunt Kathy chimed in. "I really wanted that burger," Uncle Bob replied in defeat. "Is Stephen (Executive Chef Stephen Meyers) in?" he asked inquisitively. "Tell him Bob's here. I'll have my usual sirloin burger (price unknown)." "Oh," our waiter uttered in noticed realization, "Bob. I'm sure Chef will be glad to hear you're here." My eggs were silky smooth and perfectly cooked, contrasting a fluidity in texture to the flakiness of the smoked salmon. The slightly acidic Hollandaise sauce further blended the two ingredients and its flavors. My aunt's crab cakes were some of the best crab cakes I've had -- fresh chunks of crab meat, not overly breaded, and served fresh so as not to get soggy. The fries were excellent as well. Fresh and thinly cut, they were crispy, not greasy, and lightly seasoned. The burger? "Perfect," Uncle Bob uttered with a sigh of content, "this place never disappoints."
(4)
Susan H.
When in NYC, we often like to go to AMNH to see their latest exhibits. Sarabeth's has become our favorite place to stop for breakfast before heading to the Museum. What brings us back again and again is their eggs benedict. I like mine with lox while my husband likes his the traditional way---with Canadian bacon. At Sarabeth's there is an unusual touch---a mixed greens salad served along with the eggs benedict, on the same plate. Interestingly enough, it works well together! Who would have ever thought that? Like many NYC restaurants, seating is cramped. Service can be somewhat spotty. Sometimes the servers are prompt and attentive---other times, not so much. Also, even though we go during the week and for a late breakfast, it's hard to predict if the place will be busy or not. There were times we went when there were many empty tables, while other times the place was almosty entirely filled. However, we've never had to wait for a table.
(4)
Laura P.
Worth the wait. My friend and I waited for about 45 minutes for a table, but I was expecting this, considering how much of a staple it is in the UWS. I was very impresed with our service. The place was packed but we never were over looked for more coffee or water refills. Also our food was pretty quick coming out. The food was deicious. I ordered the goldie lox. Which is a salmon and cream cheese scramble with a homemade english muffin. Everything was delicious and I can't wait to try more.
(4)
Rachel H.
Best Bloody Mary's EVER. A little on the expensive side for brunch, and about a 45 minute wait - however, the booze alone made it worth it. The food was pretty delish as well.
(4)
Liz M.
Having been away from home for a solid year now I have to say brunch at Sarabeth's is one of the things I miss the most. I would often do Sunday brunch here with my girlfriend or some friends. I think the longest I ever had to wait was 30 minutes. I usually ordered the Lemon Ricotta pancakes and they were always delicious, topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar. The texture was what surprised me the most. I expected pancakes made with cheese to have a heavier, bulkier taste but these were perfectly light and fluffy. The lemon is very subtle, just enough to have me ordering these on a regular basis. I'm also a huge fan of their iced tea - not because it's so life changing but because they bring it to you in this cute little pitcher with a lemon slice. My experiences with the waitstaff at Sarabeth's have always been positive - I've never felt forgotten about, even when it's super busy and I'm sitting outside. Also, I brought my brother here once (he was 3 at the time) and the waiter that morning was very nice, and accommodating - even when he accidentally knocked a full glass off the table and it broke. Just a note: usually when I go to brunch I order things I can't (or am unwilling to) make for myself, like eggs benedict and such. I feel like paying money for pancakes is dumb - but Sarabeth's is totally worth it.
(5)
ed e.
Dinner.... A good 3rd choice and don't expect much. When I left I felt like I wasted money and time. Stick to to the food they make before 2pm.
(2)
Chad H.
This place is decent. I went here for brunch one day on my trip to NYC last fall. The wait was fairly long, which sucked, but that's understandable for a weekend brunch place. I ordered the cream cheese and green onion scramble. It supposedly came with an english muffin, but the muffin was more like a biscuit. The scramble itself was good enough, except the cream cheese was barely mixed in (see pic). Why would I want just a giant lump of cream cheese? Anyway, check it out if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way.
(3)
R Y.
Rating for Brunch. I'm being nice about the rating because the atmosphere was nice. Food was mediocre. Went on a friend's recommendation and the portions were relatively small for price. I had their omelet. Eggs weren't as fluffy as I liked, but I do have to hand it to them. Their muffin was delicious. I also sampled my friends' dishes- ricotta pancake (nothing special- just smaller than normal pancake and maybe a little richer, but it definitely needed a little more creamier texture and less lemon), frenchtoast (bland at best) and waffle with chicken sausage (savory dish and very plentiful)
(3)
Kealan C.
I know this place is famous, I know you may feel like you need to check it off the list, by all means, do. Those expectations, though? Lower them. My boyfriend was super sweet on Valentine's Day - left for work as usual, but came home 15 minutes later with flowers and goodies and a request that I put on some pants because we were going to breakfast. Yes, he wanted me to put my pants ON. Look, we've been together for a long time and I was unemployed: putting pants on, at the time, was reserved for special occasions. So we walked up the street to Sarabeth's - a place that as new-ish UWSers we felt compelled to visit. The gesture was sweet and romantic and special, and that portion was perfection. Sarabeth's didn't contribute much to the moment, though. I suppose I was expecting something a little more refined, a little more "uptown", but I'm not really sure what Sarabeth's is besides a glorified Denny's. The decor was a little dated, a little shabby, and a little too reminiscent of a nursing home. Hmm . . . now that I think about it, Sarabeth does sort of sound like a grandma name. Not sure that it's really worth it.
(3)
Scott Y.
For almost a year and a half, I have lived on the Upper West Side. Throughout this time, I have heard all about how it is the brunch capital of the known universe. I know about the big four. I have even been to most of them for non-brunch meals. I don't like to wait for tables, though. I really don't believe that there is much reason to wait for a table in a city that has so many great restaurant options. As a result, I had never done the real UWS brunch thing. That all changed yesterday, though. I have started working from home a lot lately. Yesterday, I decide to go a little outside of my typical lunch radius to grab pizza at a new place. On my way there, I passed Sarabeth's and realized that there was no line. I wasn't sure if I had time to do a full, sit-down meal; but I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm not a very adventurous eater when it comes to the cuisines of other cultures, because I have a fairly weak stomach and don't like eating meals if I'm not sure what kind of spices are in them. I am a very adventurous eater when it comes to combining random American ingredients in unconventional ways, however. So when I saw lemon ricotta pancakes, I figured they would be worth a shot. The pancakes were slightly larger than silver dollar pancakes, but not the size of typical diner pancakes. They were considerably thinner than the typical pancake, but they gave you more of them, and they were absolutely awesome. They were cooked perfectly, and the lemon and ricotta provided a nice, yet very subtle, twist. If I was going to make one minor criticism, it would be that I feel like they should give you a little more syrup. Other than that, everything was awesome. Also, including the 14 block walk from my apartment, my whole brunch only took an hour. I liked Sarabeth's so much, I may try to hit all of the big four for comparison.
(4)
MJ H.
MJ's Star : 3.5 Price : Potato Waffle 12, Salmon Eggs Benedict 15, Coffee 3.50 (except tip & tax)
(4)
Charlie D.
I was anxious to try dinner at sarabeths after not much being said about it on yelp. I went here for Sunday dinner and the ever-so-important meet the significant other dinner with my family. I was surprisingly impressed with everything about our meal. The tomato soup was the best I've ever tasted, fish special was unique and not too heavy, and bread pudding for dessert was perfect. Our waitress was especially lovely at guiding us through the best items on the menu and making us feel warm and welcome in the restaurant. I would totally come back for dinner again.
(4)
Au G.
I do not do brunches; I have never understood the point of having brunches with people on the weekends. I am barely human at any time appropriate for brunch, not to mention that I cannot talk nicely or look nicely. Moreover, this is the critical issue: if you eat brunch, what about lunch? I would like to squeeze in as many instances of gastronomic delights in my day; therefore, I do not like to be cheated out of a meal, if I can help it. On the other hand, breakfast in bed, now that I can understand. It even carries a hint of the decadent eroticism - feathered slippers and silky dressing gowns...too many French movies, I agree. Papa Bear - hot porridge, strawberries, bananas, fresh cream, raisins, honey My lazy metabolism refuses to get started unless I feed it some fuel; and the only fuel it accepts in the morning is sugar. My brain, running on low blood sugar, has always had a hard time deciding between Papa Bear and Big Bad Wolf - fruits & cream v. brown sugar & butter; but this day, I leaned toward Papa Bear. Strawberries in December were looking pale and tasted paler; but it was not a problem that liberal swirls of honey and cream could not fix. Their warm porridge was freshly cooked, not relentlessly stewed, so that each grain was still separate and visible and retained its plump, grainy texture - instead of a mash of cardboard pulp to make recycled paper. Spooning up a huge spoonful of strawberry and banana slices on top of the creamy porridge, with the mixed in honey and cream visibly enticing and dotted with raisins, life was not so bad after all. Salmon Eggs Benedict - Irish smoked salmon, Hollandaise sauce, peppers, chives Eggs Benedict is a dish that appears deceptively simple, but it is not. It requires each layer to not only be perfect but also to web into a coherent whole: First of all, the eggs - the yolk must be runny but the white must be firm; Second, the hollandaise must be creamy but not heavy; Third, the protein cannot be Oscar Mayer; Fourth, the bread must be an English muffin - halved, and; Fifth, an extra touch - e.g. a sprinkle of fresh herbs - will complete the dish. Sarabeth's does each and all elements beautifully: First, the eggs are consistently cooked perfectly - I despise wobbling and runny egg whites (it rather reminds me of, well, snivel; now I have said it); Second, the hollandaise is light and airy; Third, I prefer smoked salmon as the supporting actor as it lends a certain glamour and sophistication, and Sarabeth's smoked salmon is tender but not fatty (some unfortunate and undesirable smoked salmons are so fatty that they are orange version of fatty tuna - wrong!); Fourth, the English muffin here is not the flattened and squashed one of half a dozen in a paper tray, but it has enough height, even when halved, to allow you a satisfying bite and chew, and; Fifth, chopped chives and peppers are perched charmingly and aromatically on the eggs. Ahhh, the thrill of the first cut into the eggs sends a shiver down my spine. Pumpkin Waffle Topped with Sour Cream, Raisins, Pumpkin Seeds and Honey The above two dishes are the tried and true favorites, marked by a bright red stamp of approval. This "new" item - pumpkin waffle - for trial on this day was both inventive and disappointing. The use of sour cream, in place of whipped cream, stimulated debate on the merits at the table. However, the first bite solved the issue once and for all: They matched. The sweetness of the pumpkin and the sourness of the cream embraced each other lovingly. In addition, the reduced liquidity level in the sour cream permitted the waffle to remain independently dry - instead of turning the waffle eating into a race against seepage. One thing that I must absolutely emphasize is that the accompanying condiments are served separately in tiny ramkins so that you can add as much as you want and when you want it. Don't I just abhor places where by the time the waffle has arrived, the whipped cream has already half-melted from the heat and eroded a big messy hole in my waffle? Whipped cream stay on the side, please. As a finishing touch, the well toasted pumpkin seeds rendered the crunchy nuttiness to the entire assemble. Therefore, you may wonder what indeed the problem was. The problem was the waffle itself: The texture was dense and heavy. A waffle - we are not talking about Belgian waffles here - should be crispy on the outside but fluffy inside. Sarabeth's pumpkin waffle was neither crispy nor fluffy, which usually indicates either an inadequate amount of baking powder or eggs in the batter. However, in the case of pumpkin waffle, it is more likely due to the wet pumpkin puree, which will make it difficult to rise; thus, the air could not be captured inside to create the requisite fluffiness. Yet, I would have liked to be surprised by a more expert rendition of the pumpkin waffle problem.
(4)
T T.
Was visiting from out of town and came here due to the good reviews I read. We arrived on a Friday at 11am and were seated immediately which was nice. I was worried about the wait. We ordered Eggs Benny which were good and the famous Lemon Ricotta pancakes which again were good but I guess from all the good reviews I was expecting to the be wowed which I wasn't. The decor at the front of the restaurant was nice and light but we sat in the back of the restaurant which kinda dark and the decor reminded me of an 80s hotel restaurant or something. All in all the food was good but not really worth the price or if I had to wait.
(3)
Sam S.
It's a Sarabeth's; great soup, a strong Bloody Mary, and a hell of a long line, which might be worth it if you decide you want chic ambiance, attentive service, and (optionally wholesome) WASP food. Yum. Yum. Yum. Tomato soup, somehow, is a signature here. The coffee is also pretty good. I can't say I've managed to stick it out through the brunch lines here in years (I prefer to go when it's less packed), but it's worth it.
(5)
Ashley R.
Best breakfast place ever! Seriously, this place is so cute. The inside is so quaint and homey. I felt like I was eating at some cute B&B on the New England coast. Yes, it's a little pricey but the food is excellent. I had delicious french toast and my boyfriend got the pancakes. We also ordered the basket of biscuits and muffins with preserves and we got the preserves sampler to take home because they were so yummy! The muffins weren't half bad either ;) We couldn't sit outside because it was pouring down rain but I bet it would be fun to just sit outside and leisurely drink coffee and enjoy your breakfast.
(5)
Annie R.
Sometimes I don't want to like something, just because it is so well liked, you know? I cant help it with Sarabeths, the food is great and the service is on point. Yes there is a line, great food will usually do that to a place. The lemon ricotta pancakes are perfect in terms of balance with flavor, last weekend I had their pumpkin waffle with pumpkin seeds/raisins, it was equally wonderful. Great brunch, just go a bit early/you will have to wait.
(4)
Jane R.
This place is definitely overrated, but I still enjoyed it for what it is. I came here for a bachelorette brunch, and it was ... fine. Line is ridiculous, but apparently, outdoor tables are first come, first served, unbeknown to us after almost 45 minutes. I was not happy to see someone swoop in to take a table without even waiting. Bloody Mary - huge but not as delicious as I expected it. Way too much alcohol and I could barely taste the tomato juice. Fat & Fluffy French toast -- well, I ate it all, if that counts for anything. How I felt afterwards was a different story. I'm always looking for food that won't leave me feeling disgusting afterwards, not to say that this did in its entirety, but I just felt a little queasy afterwards. I'd go back and try the benedict if I could. It's just a name ... so sometimes you just have to see it for yourself.
(3)
Tim N.
I didn't think Sarabeth's was anything to write home about. We had the potato waffles and the salmon benedict. Both were good, but I won't be coming back here anytime soon. So far I thought Popover Cafe was more delicious and they have popovers! yum!
(3)
lynne t.
I was so mad I had to wait a week and a half before writing this. I live right around the corner from Sarabeths, and wanted to take a friend visiting from out of town for a nice brunch, where we might be able to sit outside and enjoy the day. Much to my surprise, and despite the long line, I was told that our wait would only be 25 minutes. After about AN HOUR, I went in to see what the new ETA would be. They said there was one table of 4 before us (we had 3 people) and that we were next. Fifteen minutes later, that table of 4 was called, so we knew we were the next ones. A table for 4 opened up outside, which was exactly what my friend was hoping for. But a family of 3 appeared out of no where, went inside and spoke to someone and were immediately seated at that table. OUR TABLE which we had waited 1-1/2 hours for!!!! I was livid!!! The person manning the list had the nerve to tell me they were before me on the list, but she didn't know I had checked on that and saw for myself earlier that we were next. Even though she had a table coming right up, I couldn't eat there. I was SO mad.
(1)
preya s.
I dont get what all the fuss is about this place. It was just ok. We waited- which is standard. I ordered eggs- they were ok. Hubby got french toast- again just ok. BUT all 3 stars are for their preserves which are AMAZING!!!! I buy a bottle and use it on a mascarpone cake that I bake at home and its delish. (message me if u want the recipe) They sell their preserves at quite a few grocery stores. I know what my peeps in Phoenix are getting for Christmas!
(3)
Michelle L.
Tasty lemon and ricotta pancakes! -- And I'm not crazy about lemony foods. The leeks and bacon omelette was well seasoned, had just the perfect amount of cheese (without over-cheesing) and was a good portion. We got there at the tail end of brunch on a Sunday and stayed for three hours and the service was friendly and attentive the whole time.
(4)
Jake K.
After hearing about the long lines and other delights of this popular brunch spot, I was glad to see that we were able to grab a table right away. Granted, it was a Thursday morning and not a whole lot of tourists end up on the upper west side looking for a meal. My wife wanted to stop by this spot and check it out on a referral from one of her friends who visited NY a while back so off we went. After a quick subway ride and a brief stroll, we walked into Sarabeth's and were promptly seated. The menu had plenty of epicurean delights - I was most intrigued by the pumpkin pie french toast. However, since it was nearly 1:00 PM, I opted to get the chicken pot pie while my wife ordered the eggs benedict. The pot pie didn't disappoint - there was a nice wad of crust placed into my bowl and her eggs came out on a whole english muffin each - not the norm in other mom and pop joints looking to save a buck. The coffee was nice and strong - but not too bitter. It certainly was a smooth roast that deserved me asking to take a cup on the go, which the staff happily obliged. I could have done without the panty-waist sitting next to me detailing his existential bout with a panic attack from flying on an airplane - I mean seriously, do you think that's the right story to impress your date? PUH-leeze. Wait, did I just say 'puh-leeze?' I should go and kick my own ass now...
(4)
Diana C.
I came here for brunch on a Saturday. There was a 30 minute wait but we decided to wait anyway, since their food smelled so delicious. I had an omelet with ham and cheese with a side of a croissant. I'm not a huge fan of breakfast foods, but it was pretty good overall.
Came back with some friends. Finally tried the ricotta pancakes and was very happy with them. :-) But again, ended up stealing most of my boyfriend's salmon Benedict. Some of my other friends went for the egg dishes and say that they were a bit disappointed. But my boyfirend said that the 4 fruit juice was really good.
(4)
Austin G.
Over 5 trips here.. all have been par or a little less than par. We heard brunch was good (haven't been), but so far dinner has not impressed. Most recently both our meals were overcooked and wait was over an hour late night in an empty restaurant.. maybe it has something to do with the time. We usually eat around 8.. but if you're good, you should always be..
(3)
Abacut C.
Sarabeth's bakery, at first looking at the front of the store i wonder if it was just another kitchen replica that nyc is so fond of, that shows crappy furniture for the rich to window shop and the rest to mock. So i basically spent 15 minutes deciding if i should enter while people walked past me thinking i was asking for money in front of a bakery. OK moving of topic , as i enter it look like the only way i was going to get served was if i had a Iphone and a hipster look but that wasn't the case, there was only one hipster with not so skinny jeans. But the serves was fair and the place looked cozy and the people were nice, as for the food, i only stuffed my face on cookies that came to a total of $22 and scones that stole my breath away i think or maybe i was choking and processed it a different way. hmm. Anyway if you love bake goods and have and extra $25 rent free then i suggest hit this spot , and if you didn't enjoy come back to me to so you can enjoy a nice trash on me.
(4)
Cecilia C.
Cute ambiance but the tea afternoon sandwiches were not good. Sandwiches were bland and sooo expensive for what it is. We also had the club sandwich, nothing exceptional neither. I'll come back for just a tea or coffee next time.
(3)
Ro N.
OMG I seriously I have been wanting to come here for the past 2 years, but never wanted to wait for 2 hours for party of 2. I finally found one Sarabeth's that had an opening at 3 pm....seriously, 3 pm brunch? We ended up taking it and H got the Four Flower Mimosa and I ended up getting the Bloody Mary. I usually would get Mimosa, but I find champagne gives me the worst headache. The Bloody Mary was good and strong without tasting like alcohol and I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the Four Flower Mimosa! We got the Goldie Lox - I do enjoy a good smoked salmon and it was just delectable! Lemon And Ricotta Pancakes with fresh berries - yums and I skipped the maple syrup and rubbed the fruit jam all over the pancakes. H drowned the pancakes with the syrup. I really love these pancakes and it's weird since I don't even like ricotta. I was really shocked that I actually liked this dish and I thought the combination sounded off-putting, but so glad that I was willing to try it. I definitely want to come back here again, but perhaps earlier than 3 pm!
(4)
Charles A.
Be prepared to wait, wait and wait. Told 30 minute wait for Sunday brunch. After 40 minutes I had to ask how much longer and was told another 20 minutes. Poor form and by looking at the food, it didn't look worth waiting one more minute for. Blah.
(1)
Clare S.
A 4:00 PM tea on a Thursday afternoon in a virtually empty restaurant should be at least a "good" experience, but not at Sarabeth's. This is a tasteless, rip-off meal. The $19 Tea included sandwiches made of dried-out bread with extremely thin fillings, a tiny biscuit-shaped scone, and about 5 cookies. Bread, scone, cookies----all cheap carb foods. Tea was ok, but waiter never came back until I asked for the check. The three-tier sandwich serving stand was rusty. Plus side: Hostess was very pleasant and room was attractive. Don't bother with this place unless you are looking for just a spot to sit down for a few minutes.
(1)
Ryan D.
At the suggestion of Alex P, "Gay Brunch" has been reignited. I used to do occasional gay brunches with Scott B. - our current crew is the aforementioned Alex and Scott, as well as Scott's boyfriend, the always wonderful Cory. Given that one of the last of these brunches (over a year ago) happened at Sarabeth's East, and given that it was pretty much my favorite meal, I thought trying out the west side location was in order. I guess I told Alex the wrong place and he went to the east side. Why is this relevant? While Alex was on his way, the extremely rude and busted hostess would not seat us. Even after we explained the situation. So don't expect people to be polite here I guess, especially if you are being nice first (we totally were and there was totally space). Once he got there, there was a table right away, so I guess ultimately it wasn't a big deal. But I hate when something like that sours an experience before it begins. The waitress was busy, but super nice and pleasant. She forgot to give me coffee during the drink order part, but made up for it by making sure I had refills really fast for the rest of the time. The food took kind of long to come out, maybe even a little too long for it being too busy, but eh. I was in no rush. I had the apple cinnamon french toast (probably what I got at the east one a year ago) and it was AMAZING. Also got their rum punch cocktail which was excellent, and bacon which was sadly undercooked. The first few cups of coffee? Heaven. It's recommended, but that snotty girl subtracted the 4-stars I would have given this place had that not happened.
(3)
Amy L.
Our party had the big fluffy french toast and the pumpkin waffles with honey and sour cream. These were great creations. The look of the place was like a higher-end cafe, with prices that reflected it. Nice breakfast and/or brunch date.
(4)
Nikolay K.
Great brunch. Very pretty decor and pleasant atmosphere.
(4)
Sara P.
My go-to for brunch on the UWS. Unpretentious and delicious. Need a reservation though, gets packed. All of the egg-based dishes are amazing without being greasy, and the lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing. GO HERE.
(5)
Heather H.
I was a little "meh" on Sarabeth's since I didn't think the food was that awesome. Good, but not knock your socks off. I did like the decor. It's always nice to eat in a bright, cheerful restaurant. Then! The last time I was there I ordered a mimosa and instead of it being one glass, it is served with a mini bottle of champagne and a little pitcher of puree. That all came out to four glasses of delight. Sweet.
(3)
Reg Z.
Ate brunch here, the food was good but not as good as I was led to believe. My omelette was over cooked and not that flavorful, the pancakes and French toast two of the others had were good. The bread and preserves served were easily the highlight, but I'm not that big of a bread eater so it didn't really do it for me. Either way, the waitress was above average for NY, meaning she was overworked yet still was friendly to us. Overall, a decent brunch
(3)
Jennifer S.
Sarabeth's is just lovely. Everything about it is excellent - the menu, the service, the FOOD!!! Since my last review, I have been a number of times (including for dinner - yum!) and I've never left dissatisfied. On top of their green and white eggs, their potato-waffles are superb, as is their tomato soup!!! The experience is well worth the wait, but if you go early (before 11), you may beat the line!
(5)
Anya R.
If I was rating it purely on food, service, and ambiance, I would give it 5 stars. But it gets a downgrade due to the fact that they won't take weekend reservations. I understand that many popular places don't take brunch reservations but it definitely lessens the experience when you have to wait outside for at least half hour. You can't even wait inside! But the decor here is super cute and I definitely feel more at home than at the Upper East Side location. The food and drinks are sublime. I think they have the best omelettes around. My favorite breakfast item is the potato waffles with chicken apple sausage. The four flowers juice is also always delicious!
(4)
M. C. M.
Not worth the wait. Had been wanting to try brunch here for over a year, but the wait is always so discouraging - 1-2 hours sometimes. We arrived and were told 35 mins. 1 hr and 10 mins later.... we were were seated. Our waitress was great. The brunch menu sounds delicious, but it didn't meet expectations. We tried the farmer's omlet, eggs benny, and french toast. All meh, average at best. Not likely to return. Though I remain a loyal consumer of Sarabeth's jams...the best!
(3)
Robert V.
Excellent, clean,very popular, but definitely more expensive than $$ rating. $ 14.50 French Toast and $ 4.00 coffee is $$$$ Enjoy and forget the cost for now...
(4)
Umesh P.
I came to UWS with my friend for brunch to go to a place her friend had suggested her and it turned out that the place is actually on UES, ha. So I pulled out my baby the iPhone and got onto one of my fav app- Yelp and decided to goto Sarabeth's. We had to wait around 15 min to get in. I liked the decor and the arrangement nice cozy and little old style. Started of with the Four Flower Juice which was pretty good and is surely worth a try. My friend got Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries. It had a slight tangy taste and my friend loved it. I didn't it that exciting though. I got the Salmon Eggs Benedict which I surely relished. You can see the picture of it here on its Yelp page, the one with yellow sauce. I thought just the color itself was quite attractive and tasted really good with the English muffin. The yellow yolk nicely flowing around, aah I think it was quite delicious. I wanna come by here again and try some other specialties.
(3)
Nic L.
A great brunch location but expect to wait since they don't accept reservations until 3pm. Also by "great" I mean the food. The service is good, the ambiance is boring. I love the green & white omlette & the Four Flowers juice (signature drink); and you can't leave with trying their jam, that's a given. Come for bruch fare; expect great food but not much else.
(3)
Sarina W.
Ok what is it with NY and brunch?! Seriously, it makes no sense to me. Brunch is suppose to be after breakfast and before lunch. Like a fusion of the two. But in NYC, brunch goes on until 4pm. To me, that just means you can order breakfast until late in the day essentially. Well, I decided to check out Sara Beth's for Sunday brunch. Luckily there was no wait. The place is very cute inside and very quaint indeed. Menu selection is decent but not plentiful. Prices are a bit high but not unreasonable. But the food itself is just ok. I can't give it such a high rating because I felt with the amount I'm paying, the food should be very good and it was just alright and a bit too plain and dull for my taste.
(2)
Barbara J.
Forget the long brunch lines. Sarabeth's does wonderful dinners. The staff was attentive. The creamy tomato soup was really something special and the lobster roll, stacked high, tasted of the sea, At $19 it was a pretty good deal. With a small pitcher of sangria to share with my friend, we didn't have room for dessert. Guess I'll have to come back again soon as the desserts at the next table looked homey and fabulous.
(5)
Tom G.
There's certainly nothing wrong with this place, but in the end it just seemed like a slightly better than average breakfast for about twice what I'd pay eating in a less posh NY diner. Bonus points for being so close to an M-79 stop, so after filling up on omelets and home fries you can indulge in Vampire Weekend reveries as you ride across the park to the Met.
(3)
Ph B.
I really like this Sarabeth's (and not so much any of the others). The sausage with apricots, home fries and the lemon ricotta pancakes are near the top of the list. On weekday trips to the city I often have a free morning and have found going here when you can sit outside and have the time to hang out while the place and Amsterdam aren't busy is first rate. Rarely go on weekend mornings when it competes with Grand Central for traffic flow.
(4)
Lisa N.
Came here on a Friday after touring CBS studios. It was extremely cold and Sarabeth's was a pefect remedy. The inside has a lovely interior. I especially love the black & white photos. The bathrooms are very clean! That's always a plus. It looks small but as you walk towards the back, its HUGE! We only had to wait about 10 minutes before we were seated. My group was the youngest amongst 35+ year old crowd. It is a great place to take your family! It is very kid friendly! I got to try a bunch of different things and the choices I recommend are: -french toast -red omelette -big bad wolf porridge -pork sausage in apricot sauce I spent $25 including tip and tax
(5)
Nicole F.
Loved this place! Perfect for brunch. We did have a wait but in NY on a Sunday, that is expected. Well worth the wait!
(4)
L A.
Came on a Sunday for brunch. Got seated pretty quickly for a table of 3. The almond French toast was delicious along with the apple sausage. I also tried the farmer's omelet which should be rich with gruyere cheese, but there was only a small piece of the cheese so it made the omelet pretty tasteless. The pumpkin muffin was also dry. The decor is cute and great for groups.
(3)
H. G.
Wow. Talk about not living up to the hype. The last time I remember being so disappointed was when I saw the movie Crash. As I fully expected when we decided to go here, there was a very long wait. Close to an hour for brunch. Fine, it's popular and I'm willing to wait for great food. It was also a nice day, so standing outside didn't seem so bad. But it wasn't great food. I got the the smoked salmon eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce ($17.50). The salmon tasted like something I would buy at a gas station vending machine (not that I would buy smoked salmon at a gas station... just saying), and the sauce was watery and metallic tasting. She got the buttermilk pancakes with fresh strawberries ($16), and they were doughy and heavy. It also didn't help that the four most annoying girls in NY were sitting next to us talking at the top of their lungs and wearing sunglasses indoors (made me think of Larry David, who once said, "Do you know who wears sunglasses indoors? Blind people and a-holes"). Not the restaurant's fault, obviously, but I wanted to go Dexter on them. Sarabeth, you sound like a nice girl and all, but your restaurant kind of sucks...
(2)
Yoly O.
Since most everyone else seems to place a review about brunch, I thought it would be nice for people to know about their regular dinner menu. I made a reservation for a Saturday night, so didn't have to wait for a table. The staff was friendly, curtious and efficient. I had their creamy tomato soup, which was incredible.... smooth and creamy yet filled with chunks of tender tomato, onions and other veggies. I had the shrimp risotto for the main course, which was delicious and filling. I topped off the dinner with their creamy cheesecake for dessert and enjoyed the whole meal with a nice bottle of white wine that was affordable and delicious. Such a nice experience with great service. Now I'm looking forward to their brunch and will post about it later.
(4)
Adam C.
My friend and I visited this location on 8/4/13 between 3:30-4:30PM. We were seated almost immediately upon walking in. After about 5 -10 minutes the server, Carlos, finally walked up and said "Are you ready to order?" No introduction, no "Hi, my name is ___ and I will be taking care of you today," etc. We ordered our food and drinks. I ordered water because I do not like Coke products. My friend ordered an alcoholic beverage. The server came over and filled our waters 1-2 times, but never asked my friend if she wanted a 2nd drink. I ordered the chicken pie, which was absolutely delicious (and is the only reason why this review received 2 stars. The server never followed up with us during the meal, but after waiting 5-10 minutes after we had both finished the server brought dessert menus. At this point, we were done and wanted to leave. Very disappointed in this entire experience.
(2)
Sandie B.
LOVE!!! Had brunch here twice in the last week and loved it both time. The wait is crazy on the weekends, but the potato waffle is so worth it!
(4)
Jason B.
My wife & I ate here while visiting friends in the neighborhood. The Red Sauce Omelette is very good, and comes with a delicious muffin and jam! One of my friends is a BIG FAN of the Lemon and Ricotta pancakes. Big enough that she has looked up the recipe and cooked them at her own place.
(4)
Jonathan J.
So apparently, the opinion around the block is that this place is a great spot for brunch. Needless to say, I did not come here for that reason. Instead, I planted myself down for a late Monday night dinner. Luckily we got a seat outdoors, as it was a beautiful NYC night and dove right into the menu. I was in the mood for fish and luckily the menu has an ample supply of just that. I was stuck on four menu items - fish tacos, shrimp scampi, the halibut special and the lobster roll. After inquiring with the waiter I decided on the fish tacos, which was apparently his favorite, as well as an order of sauteed spinach. My partner in crime ordered the macaroni and cheese app drizzled with truffle oil (her favorite) and the pumpkin ravioli in balsamic vinegar. We also succumb to an order of sangria. Overall, the food was clean, neat and well prepared. The fish taco portions were huge, though I felt the apps were a bit small. The sangria was delicious but the "pitcher" they offer is a bit on the tiny side. What I loved most was that the food was simple, yet flavorful. The guacamole in the fish taco was the best part and I can still taste its fluffiness on my palate. mmmm I am only giving this review 3 stars because I expected a bit more from them, next time i'll be sure to try them for brunch as it seems that is their specialty.
(3)
Annie P.
Brunch spot. The buttermilk pancakes here are so yummy, and I'm not a huge pancake fan. There's always a line here on the weekends so I'd recommend coming early if you don't want to wait, or come late for brunch 2/3pm. I usually get the buttermilk pancakes, goldie lox or the salmon eggs benedict here. The orange juice is super good here too.
(4)
Robert P.
Came in the other day for dinner and had an amazing server- Katie. She greeted us with a warm smile and guided us through the menu. The food was delicious! Would definitely go back. Have been in for brunch in the past- which was even better!
(5)
Laura G.
Great service. Good margarita. Good presentation All the rest do the food bland not bad just bland. Goat cheese ravioli sauce bland all bland. Strip steak okay, fries okay, Caesar salad bland. Cobbler bland. Nice ambiance. Could be a 4+ if the chef added some kind of spice.
(3)
Lauren L.
Overrated and past its prime. We waited for 40 minutes for brunch which we were expecting. After the long wait and by the time we ordered, what we didn't expect was that we were told that we couldn't have any bread because our eggs benedict came with bread. I mentioned that with the long wait outside in the cold, bread would be appreciated. The server said sure - for $2.50. When our eggs benedict finally arrived, it was so overcooked we had to send it back and wait some more. After all that, they still had the stones to charge us for the extra bread we had to order lest we pass out from waiting. We will never be going back to Sarabeths....totally not worth it.
(1)
kay b.
contrary to the debilitating pressure to try sarabeth's west for brunch, i of course am the rule breaker and instead opted for an improvised rainy friday evening dinner. for a party of three, (three very brown and very queer people, might i add), we ambled in from the fickle rain into a warmly lit, farmhouse elegant and hella caucasian (upper westside obvious) establishment. not to mention, we were far younger in appearance than many of the patrons. if you are a transplant to nyc but love all things breakfast and jam, or are just a quintessential oprah fan, then you know about the the illustrious sarabeth's. i shared 2 entrees with a friend, namely the jumbo shrimp risotto and the grilled hanger steak (ordered medium). food arrived reasonably and prior we were given a bread basket with all of it's carb and starch glory! good biscuit, good dinner roll, obvious comments. the shrimp risotto was more firm than i would like and i would've appreciated a touch more creamy in texture. however, the flavor profile was great with tender shrimp countering the thick of the risotto in comforting tune the brightness of the peas and the fullness of the pancetta. with hanger steak, i typically order it medium rare. however, since i am nice and like sharing, my co-eater wanted medium and unfortunately the steak came medium well, tougher, a slight struggle to chew. it could have been pulled from the grill a minute or so earlier. the bordelaise sauce though, was luscious and accomplished. the sides of fries and spinach were hardly memorable. last, were desserts of strawberry shortcake and raspberry bread pudding. strawberries, short cake, creme fraiche, all were great but the biscuit aka short cake could use some inspiration. the bread pudding was keen to the eyes and was more mushy than i anticipated, as i hoped for a crunchy exterior to the velvety interior that i typically love about bread pudding. it was a solid idea, i may try to navigate in my own kitchen. for the price tab, the swift and precise service, my experience at sarabeth's was solid. nothing weaved of mythical genius baker's hair follicles or talking salt shaker sorcery. honestly, i will concur with the choir, which is rare, and say yes, it was pretty good and pretty overpriced. additionally, acoustics amped up by 8:00pm on friday, it got to -loud movie talking-decibel levels. [3.25- 3.5 stars depending on my mood.]
(3)
Grace S.
Pros: Disclaimer-- As the backdrop for many celebratory brunches over the course of my life, my fondness for Sarabeth's is likely influenced in no small part by nostalgia. That said, if I were to stumble upon Sarabeth's as a first-timer, I would fall in love with the french toast, or the pancakes, or the berry-encrusted versions of either one, or the complimentary champagne cocktails. Or the general sensation of being treated to brunch on an Easter Sunday by your grandparents (even if you're just out with your fellow 20-something friends). Cons: Even as a non-first-timer, boy do those long lines put me off. Go EARLY! Before noon is best. Also, I will admit that the food is not always worth the pricetag, but consider that you pay for the overall experience, and the free champagne. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Sarabeth's is a treat. Go when your folks are in town and you're on their dime, and go when a special occasion calls for it. But if you're just looking for a spot to grab breakfast, go up the block to EJ's and stop complaining.
(4)
Tiffany C.
$5 bloody marys. cheap! and my first time ever drinking one..it was quite a..bitter experience. haha. but it was so cheap i had no problem tossing it after drinking 1/10 of it and feeling buzzed already (and not to mention start turning red cuz of this damn asian glow!) nonetheless, the first few sips were great! the four flowers juice is really fresh and yummy. great to wake up your tastebuds for the day! ordered the eggs benedict with smoked salmon and i was very pleased! the eggs benedict were the perfect portion, were extremely tasty, and satisfied my craving! it also came with a nice tossed spring salad with a light vinagrette. it was nice to have something on the side that wasnt so filling (aka potatoes). i was able to finish my whole plate and feel content and wasnt too full to the point where i wanted to fall into a food coma! the chicken apple sausage was one of the most memorable things i had in NY. it was sweet and succulent. the apple marmalade was SOOOO amazingly good paired with the sausage, as well as the eggs benedict. my bf's red omelette was extremely tasty as well! we loved it here! one star off because the service was REALLY slow. We spent about $55 pre-tip but it was definitely worth what we paid!
(4)
Riva D.
Worth the wait! I wouldn't suggest going with more than a partner on the weekend as the wait can get bad for groups of 3 or 4s unless you have 6 and then you can make a reservation. Then menu is fantastic! A variety of unique french toast & waffle options. From my friend who's lived in this city his whole life I'm told this is the best brunch in the city and I don't disagree. I wait for a seat in the back, you can't beat those comfy booths. Hmm, good...do it!
(5)
Chris C.
You don't come to Sarabeth's to watch the game on Sunday. You probably don't bring your game-watching pals either. No, Sarabeth's is a pristine, respectable-looking place to get your brunching done, most likely in the company of a lady. With its simple lines, clean white walls and upholstered seating, the place manages to exude a calm, nurturing atmosphere where you'd expect little girls to have a tea party and yet, it is gender-friendly enough not to encroach on one's own sense of masculinity. And the food is good too. It's best to go to Sarabeth's for brunch. Dinner is fine here but, brunch is the cat's meow in these parts. There are many good options to sample including their french toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and almost any of the egg/omelette variations. Be sure to try the sausage in apples if you are a meatasaurus. They will certainly hit the spot. Oh, and the muffins are a nice combination of moist and substantial. Get there before 10:45/11:00 AM and you will likely not have to wait in a huge line. The friendly staff has always been good to me and my parties. On the rare occasions when a mistake is made with the order, it is always quickly rectified. Good people and good food. If Sunday must be followed by Monday, its best to ease into it at a place like Sarabeth's.
(4)
Dolores L.
Visiting friends in New York and we came here for brunch. Waited 20 minutes for a table, but I'll cut to the chase. Food was delicious. Our table adorned with: Salmon eggs benedict Classic eggs benedict Lemon ricotta pancakes Everything was perfect. Both the eggs benedict were on a crispy English muffin, egg was poached perfectly, and the yoke flowed out nicely. YUM! The lemon ricotta pancakes was light and fluff. The flavor was highlighted in the pancake, but not overpowering. Sarabeth, whoever you are. Thank you.
(4)
David A.
I just finished brunch at Sarabeth's West. I took a table outside on a perfect day. I went in with understandably high expectations, few of them met. Things started off ok as my good-enough iced coffee was served in an oversized brandy glass. I ordered the Oatmeal Pancakes with Pecans & Bananas. I asked for a side of eggs, but was told that the eggs come only as a platter with toast or muffin. The server said that she could bring the eggs without the bread, but that the price would be the same. Well, then what's the freaking point?! I ordered them anyway. The pancakes arrived smothered in a dumping of powdered sugar, likely meant to disguise that they were dry as the Mojave. The pecans had been sneakily replaced with walnuts, and there was about half of a small banana sliced over the top. Folks, bananas are cheap - you're not saving much money by skimping here. The eggs were about the only thing well-executed. Perfectly cooked omelette-style, firm on the outside without even a hint of any other color but yellow; and soft inside with absolutely zero runniness. Nicely done. The pumpkin muffin was dry and dull. Very little flavor without using the preserves to moisten and sweeten the heck out of it. People were waiting for tables, and I was waiting for my check. We all waited ... and waited. The hostess apologized to those who couldn't yet sit saying, "I'm sorry about the delay. People are just taking their time enjoying the lovely day I guess." Was she serious? If I could pay my check some time this century, those people could sit HERE! As it was, I NEVER saw my server ... ever. She NEVER checked on me. My water NEVER got refilled. After she finally delivered my check, she hadn't even come close to earning the 12% tip I paid her. Thinking back, I can't believe I tipped her at all!
(2)
Ramune R.
. . . FOOD . . . My sister and I went to Sarabeth's for dinner the other night and both had their amazing sirloin burger. It was perfectly cooked and although I wasn't particularly hungry going in there, I ate the entire thing. We also split their french fries and onion rings, which were both perfect. My sister actually said that they were the best onion rings she's ever had. Warning: they give you a basket full of delicious biscuits and bread which I had to force myself not to finish, otherwise I would have had no room for the burger.
(4)
Alison L.
After sampling bagels, donuts and pretzels during our NYC vacation, my husband and I wanted to have a nice, sit-down brunch somewhere near to our hotel. I searched Yelp for the best brunch offerings on the Upper West Side and came up with Sarabeth's West. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are AMAZING. And I didn't even order them, my husband did. I had one bite and wished I'd ordered them, too! Not that the Frittata I ordered wasn't good, it was definitely yummy, but those pancakes are incredible! So light and fluffy! My breakfast also came with a croissant. There was a wonderful selection of muffins, toast and scones to choose from, but I was sure the croissants there would be great. And I was right! Warm, buttery and airy. Definitely not like the croissants you get at the grocery story. PROS: - THE LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES - Great food - Friendly staff - Bright, light, inviting decor CONS: - The bathrooms were downstairs and you had to go behind the server station to get to the stairs, which was a little awkward and blocked by strollers and staff hurrying back and forth. Not a huge deal, though. - Little-to-no Wi-Fi signal. Not sure if it's the location of if the restaurant intentionally blocks reception to discourage cell phone use...
(4)
G P.
I can't get enough of this place...brunch especially and dessert as of late. Obviously the prices could be a bit better but if that's based off fresher ingredients, I don't mind paying for that. I do wish some of their sweet breakfast options included a side especially for the price you're paying.
(4)
Rita E.
Due to scheduling difficulties, my group and I needed to get brunch at a punishingly early Sunday morning hour: 9 AM! Sarabeth's is open from 8 AM, which came in handy as most places begin their Sundays at 11. I also expected there to not be a wait at such an ungodly hour, yet the four of us were standing around for 15 minutes waiting for a table to open. Regardless, yes, in my opinion this is the best brunch food in the city. Note that it's not the best deal nor the least expensive but no matter what you order, you will be thrilled, satisfied and wishing fervently to come back so you can try everything else on the menu. We had: lemon ricotta pancakes (me) - light, zesty, not overwhelming; buttermilk pancakes (brother #1) [didn't try this]; fat and fluffy french toast (brother #2) - true to its name, fluffy and so, so good; and Goldie lox (friend) - frittata-like eggs with lox and cream cheese baked inside, with a croissant, which was so fresh you could smell it across the table. Each item ran in the $12 - $13 range. Also, thank goodness for the bottomless cup of coffee ($3.50), I must have drank four or five in the course of an hour! Service was great, the second I was empty the server refilled, water too. Even after we ate I kept eyeing our neighbors' dishes. I'd go back to try, um, everything.
(4)
Steph P.
Alright, I guess I have a little bit of mean-spirit in me because I like to expose overrated dining spots. Sarabeth's a favorite among NYCers, cited in Zagat's for their brunch. People line up and wait for an hour or more for weekend brunch here (which I guess isn't terrible, considering NYC is an easy city to bum around - even the Upper West Side). I had never been to Sarabeth's so, I figured why not. We waited with the rest of the sheep and were finally seated inside after a weird SNAFU with our name suddenly disappearing from the list. I ordered the Four Flowers juice blend of banana, pineapple, orange and pomegranite juices. Yum! The fresh squeezed orange juice was also good, albeit super tart. I had ordered the Potato Waffle for its novelty. Oooh, I like potatoes. I like waffles. And it comes with Chicken sausage? I love sausage! This was TERRIBLE. So terrible, I ate less than half. The waffle was very tough and the leeks in it lacked any type of presence. The sausage was also dry and made me yearn for Rosamunde's. I spied with envy at the omelettes of the diners next to us and my fellow bruncher's Lemon Ricotta pancakes (pretty good, but very small servings)...As pissed off as I was, I did restrain myself from being totally socially inappropriate and stealing others' food. I really don't see what makes Sarabeth's so great. The decor makes me feel like I'm in a waspy New England bed and breakfast. The food is just ehh...and their potatoes, which looked like the best thing they had, are not served with many of the items and must be ordered on the side. Pffft. If I'm looking for an American style brunch on the UWS, I would check out Good Enough to Eat, Isabella's, or even Nice Matin over Sarabeth's. I've also heard really good things about Barney Greengrass...maybe one day. But for now, it's unlikely I'll go back to Sarabeth's.
(3)
Meredith K.
One of my favorite places in the city. If you come for brunch get here early - there's always a wait! I've found lunch and dinner to be more reasonable (I have been seated within minutes for those). Food is just tasty here - just all around good food. I've had brunch, lunch and dinner here - all have been very good. I have never tasted anything bad here from pancakes, to salads and crab cakes, to roasted chicken - it's always good. I've had better service sitting inside than I have outside, but in nice weather sitting outside is worth the slightly slow service.
(4)
Shiba I.
Pumpkin Waffle topped with sour cream, raisins, pumpkin seeds & honey is really delicious. $13 is a bit steep. Spinach & Goat cheese omelet was a bit too dry & uninteresting for $12. The choice of muffins (we got the cranberry one), breads, etc that accompany the omelet was good. But we were surprised by the $3.50 each of the coffee. Service was not genteel enough to warrant these high prices. For the same prices & food, head to the other Sarabeth's...
(3)
Michael W.
Came here for dinner one day with a large group of my parents' friends. Ordered a burger. Waited 10 minutes for mustard. Ate my burger. Left. 3 stars for okay but unexciting dinner fare Revisit? I'm too lazy to go to the west side :)
(3)
Keta H.
I'm not certain who should be more ashamed: the owners for charging $14.50 for an omelette or the chef who allowed that omelette to go out of his/her kitchen with absolutely nothing else on the large white plate. I will grant that the Farmer's omelette looked nice -- folded so that it looked like a small evening bag but sitting there, all by itself made it look pitiful. The experience was further diminished because the pieces of leek and bacon were so tiny that it was impossible to discern the texture or the taste. When the waitress stopped to ask how everything was I told her the truth. Her response was along the lines of it was my fault because I declined the bread. Sorry: bread is not a garnishment. The shame is especially deserved because a block away, at Nice Matin, one can get an artichoke and leek frittata with delicious potatoes and a baby green salad for $13.50.
(1)
Min K.
i've been to both on the east and west side. it's just alright, but not a brunch place i immediately think of. got the my red omelette and pumpkin muffin. my friend got the eggs benedict. can't say much because i don't remember much about the food. came here for sunday brunch. it was busy but we didn't have any trouble finding seating.
(3)
Bex B.
While the meal was delicious (lemon ricotta pancakes), the service was really crummy. The restaurant was clearly understaffed. Getting the obviously busy waitress's attention was very difficult. We waited a full half hour longer we were told we would have to wait for our table and then it took us 20 minutes to get the check. If you have all the time in the world, this is a good pick. If you have things to do, I would recommend another spot.
(3)
Lorac L.
Managed to get a table without long wait on a saturday morning, went around 1030am! We had the popeye's egg and egg's benedict, both super yummy that i was craving for more eggs for the next few days. I will be back soon!
(4)
Karen S.
I went here two times for breakfast, and it is probably a 3.5. I love the muffins and jam but the rest was like diner food with upscale prices. The eggs benedict are good (portions are huge) and french toast with strawberries and bananas are good. On a side note, it was weird that the two people next to me ordered the eggs and...side of potatoes. side of sausage. two sides of bacon. The irony is they ordered egg whites. What is the point?!
(3)
Christine G.
I said this 4 years ago when I had brunch here and I'll say it again 4 years later... Overrated. Brunch is definitely underwhelming. I've tried omelets here, pancakes, etc. All just kinda meh. I think the only redeeming part is the pumpkin muffin option instead of toast but otherwise I'm not sure why this place always has a line.
(2)
diana p.
My boyfriend and I wanted a bite to eat after a crowded day at the museum. the short review: NEVER AGAIN!! the long review: We walk in to an empty place and we were seated in a corner that we had to squeeze into. ok? we were then offered the tea and dinner menu, but waited 10 minutes until we even were greeted by a waiter. There was a waitress doing sidework, guess we couldn't bother her? finally greeted, we weren't told any potential specials or given any suggestions.We had to ask what the soup of the day was, and later heard a conflicting report from another staff member near by. We finally ordered the tea sandwhiches w/tea and a bowl of soup. Second warning: see the waiter look at our table with an 'oh yeah' face after he reappears from the kitchen and he puts our order in. We waited THIRTY minutes to get four squares of bread made into pathetic sandwiches. It was starting to become clear that our waiter's attention was focused on a high order table/large party nearby. We weren't checked on after our food was delivered and never offered more hot water for the small tea pot. The other waitress finally refilled our water glasses after a while but only after the manager/owner noticed and said something (mind you at this point there are four tables seated in the enitre place-quite challenging) waiting...lame sandwich finished, thinking, 'where's the soup?'. It never came. I got so fed up that I asked for the bill- oh, he never put the soup in (he at least admitted it). The lame sandwich and single pot of tea cost TWENTY dollars. But there's never any excuse for poor customer service in an otherwise empty place. With the owner sitting at a nearby table and obviously discussing business with a consultant of how to make things better? I'll tell you how to make things better- new staff, new customer service policies. I agree 100% with Hemanth. Go somewhere, ANYwhere else!
(1)
James D.
3 p.m. on a Saturday, no wait for a table for two, although the place was nearly full, which was a pleasant surprise. I must say -- despite the confused "farmhouse meets early '90s diner feel -- the food was absolutely excellent. The prices are outrageous (UWS pomposity, for sure), but it's worth treating oneself every now and then. The service was attentive and very pleasant, and the food was delivered quickly and accurately. My friend had the frittata of fresh peppers, bacon, and scallions, with Gruyère cheese for $14. I had the "New Classic Club Sandwich" for $17.50 (!); turkey breast, Vermont cheddar, Virginia ham, lettuce, tomato, maple-mustard mayonnaise, and homemade potato chips. I honestly would have been disappointed with an overpriced "regular sandwich" had it not been for that maple-mustard mayo. Delish. It made the sandwich. Next time (which won't be anytime soon, just based on the exorbitant pricing) I'd like to try the eggs Benedict or the lemon-ricotta pancakes. I hear very good things.
(4)
James M.
Visited on a weekday, mid afternoon. Bigger inside than it looked from the outside. And relatively crowded for that time of the day. Still got seated with no wait. I had a farmers omelet, which I think contained bacon, some sort of cheese, bacon, and something else. Seemed like all of it together would be very heavy, but it was light and fluffy, and tasted amazing--and the leeks weren't overpowering, which I was afraid of. Great cranberry bran muffin on the side. Huge goblet of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Good meal. Interior was kinda blah, but the food was pretty on point. I was sort of steered into Sarabeth, but i'd go back.
(4)
Tyler C.
I think the strength of this place is its baked/baked related goods - the jams, croissants, pancakes, and waffles that I have had were really good. Then again, the benedict I had was nothing to sneeze at either (and was served on homemade english muffins...i am sensing a trend here...) I kinda wish the lemon ricotta pancakes were either larger...or maybe if it came with more of them. true, there were 5 of them, but they were the thin dollar type pancake size....maybe if i figured out how to make them myself... but i digress. As noted here, this place is at times a victim of its own success as the wait staff get overwhelmed by hordes and hordes of groaning, moaning, salivating brunchers...but the trick is to sneak in before 10 AM in small groups. Kind of like how they do it in the Florida rest homes....
(4)
Laura H.
As always...great food. Perfect brunch. I loved the farmers omelet. Jam sour dough toast. Great value
(5)
Wai Sze Z.
I've been here a few times for brunch. This places serves a great breakfast. I particularly like their pancakes which is different from the thicker version I normally enjoy but this thin & crispy version is very good as well. I also remember liking their bread basket. The omelette's are good too. The restaurant is clean and service is attentive. There can be a wait but we've been fairly lucky the few times we've eaten here. I don't remember waiting more than 20 minutes for a table. It's been a couple of years since I've been here (just too many good breakfast options in NYC!) but will make a return one of these days.
(4)
Bryanna E.
came for a ny brunch and wow, yummmmm. we ordered the leek, potato, bacon omelet and the pumpkin waffle and shared. the omelet was fluffy, cheesy and paired nicely with the fresh made scone with butter. I liked the waffle too, but sweet isn't really my thing. service was great and lots of warm coffee kept coming.
(4)
Yvonne S.
Enjoyed a fantastic brunch with my boyfriend on a Sunday + outdoor seating. Everything on the menu was so interestingly named. I ate there garden omelet (broccoli, red peppers, carrots, cheese)with a choice of bread. I chose a croissant.. although I should've tried there banana muffins instead. Feeling more hungry than ever that day, my bf and I ordered an extra plate from there sweet breakfast choice. We got apple cinnamon french toast with raisins and bananas. The waitress told us that customers usually get and love this dish. :) I dare not disagree!
(5)
Melissa N.
My favorite brunch spot in NYC! I love the Eggs Benedict and the basket for baked goods. The Four Flowers Mimosa is also near and dear to my heart. Sarabeth's actually does a really good dinner, but it's always dead in the restaurant during the dinner hour. My friend and I call it our "Blue Hair Hangout" because it's usually just us and the senior citizens on weeknights for dinner. One star is removed because of the crazy long wait times for a table during brunch hours on the weekend...they really need to figure out a reservation system or something.
(4)
Marleigh M.
Whether or not I review a restaurant depends largely on the food and the service. Sometimes I write to warn others; sometimes I write to urge others. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Sarabeth's on the Upper West Side fall into the latter category. I was urged to try the Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes w/ Fresh Berries plus the Spinach & Goat Cheese Omelet by my dining companion, who happened to be a fan of the West Side eatery. Both were ordered and arrived in a timely fashion. Looking back, my taste buds shake in anticipation at the thought of those pancakes. I'm not a pancake person, yet Sarabeth's has caused me to reevaluate my feelings about flat cakes. They were the best I ever had in my life and easily fall into the top 5 things I have eaten this year. The omelet was the perfect fluffy balance of goat cheese to egg and spinach. I was highly impressed with the meal and the service. There are several other Sarabeth's around the city, including one on the Upper East Side and one in Chelsea Market. There is no doubt I will be back, the question is how soon.
(5)
Bora S.
This is my favorite brunch spot on the UWS. All of the ingredients are fresh and you can taste it. You should definitely try to get here early, especially on the weekends, because the wait is waaaaay long after about 8:30 probably. I love that this place opens so early. It's really nice going right after it opens before all the crowds get there. You get great seating and service the earlier you go.
(5)
Amy S.
Went with the parents. I didn't think it was anything incredible and especially for the price. We got the Almond Encrusted French Toast, the Potato Waffles and the Lemon Ricotta ones too. They were all good, definitely, but worth the price? I don't know...
(3)
Rachel T.
I came here with my dad for brunch and really loved it. The atmosphere was very hamptons-esque but it was light and a very nice setting for a more upscale brunch on the UWS. The coffee was excellent and the muffins were also moist and flavorful. I ordered the chicken sandwich with avocado, cheese, lettuce and a side of french fries. The portion was absolutely humongous! I had to take half of it home to eat later. The sandwich was excellent though- full of flavor! I would recommend this place for brunch anytime- however we did come on the later side which meant we didn't have to wait as long which might be something to consider.
(4)
Julie K.
for celebrating big day, we went to Metropolitan Opera house to get 'Eugene Onegin' orchestra standing ticket at 8:30 am.. goosh!! soooo many people already made the line.... since it was sold out!! fortunately, we got it... being on the line almost 2 hours in the morning... hmmmm... better to get breakfast or brunch.. whatever... Let's go get SARABETH!!! fancy smoked salmon w/ fresh salad for Julie, popular pancake w/ strawberry for brother.... w/o soy milk, coffee was sucks... but still cozy and warm opening day with SATABETH!!!
(4)
Ibbs K.
My girls and I were visiting a friend in New York and she brought us here for our last meal in NYC. It was delicious and a great way to end our trip. And luckily, we went on a Monday morning, so there was absolutely no wait! At first we were debating about getting the mimosa, since we've ate and drank so much on this trip we were hesistant. But, who can say no to mimosas?! And it was a great idea that we went for it b/c this was the first place where they've given us individual bottles of champagne and extra OJ to make multiple mimosas out of them! FOUR in total! That was completely worth it and satisfying... :) I had the Goldie Lox, which were Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese. YUMMM. They also had many bread choices, such as banana, corn, pumpkin, or english muffins, scone or croissant and a side of Sarabeth's famous strawberry preserve. The food portion was definitely more than I can handle! We also ordered a side of apricot sausages, which were sausages bathed in apricot jam. That was good also. Overall, the place had a good ambiance and the food and drink portions were definitely worth the price. I left NY on a happy and FULL note. :)
(5)
Katy D.
I'v been here for brunch and dinner, and both were fabulous and decently priced. The french toast is fluffy and not soggy at all - my two criteria for a good french toast. Their french fries are perfection, and the desserts are out of this world.
(5)
Alexis Maria H.
I went on a 'brunch date' with a friend on a tuesday afternoon around 12. We had to wait about 15 mins for a table [the place was packed] but I was determined to stay because i realllyyy wanted to eat here and see what it's all about! We finally got seated and the space was tight, we were put right next to these to older miserable women, so the hostess comes to us [we never said anything] and says she'll seat us somewhere else where'd we be more comfortable. She moved us to this really cute table near a couch and such, it was really great. I ordered an omelet w. croissant & such; it was AMAZING. Really good food. Along with the nice hostess, our waitress was a sweetheart too, anything we needed, and questions we had, she was always polite, and happy. Had a great time at Sarabeths. Hope to go back soon!
(5)
Kyle M.
great breakfast- Ill go again. I don't think Id wait for an hour but it was def worth a trip back. I oved my salmon omelet - totally unexpected goodness.
(4)
Ray W.
Nice looking restaurant from inside, and good service, but food was mediocre. A great place to take a friends mother with whom you have a lot to talk about so that you don't pay too much attention to the actual food you're eating.
(2)
Katee L.
So many people waiting! Was it really that great? Eh.... I thought the food was ok, I got the potato waffles with the chicken apple sausage. The preserves were tasty but I wasn't really sure if the waffles were supposed to be sweet or salty? It was interesting.... Since the UWS is a bit of a trek for me, I probably won't be back anytime soon.
(3)
Robyn F.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing!!
(5)
Vassi I.
I had brunch here last weekend and found it to be quite lovely! Although I'm generally not a big breakfast lover, this place was great. We had 9 a.m. reservations on a Saturday and the restaurant was still packed! We requested to sit out front on the patio when we made the reservations, but they failed to take note of that at the time. When we got there, the patio was full so they placed us inside with a grand window view which was sufficient. I don't remember the service being particularly amazing, but the food was great. My boyfriend ordered the Eggs Benedict which was served on rounded and buttered pieces of french bread which I LOVED. I had the goat cheese and herb egg white omelet which was delicious. My sister had the cream cheese and chives egg white omelet and my brother-in-law also had the Eggs Benedict. We ordered a side of breakfast potatoes which were quite possibly some of the best I've ever tried. The coffee was strong and good, and the atmosphere was light and pretty. If you want a strong, tasty breakfast on the upper west side, this is an excellent choice. Enjoy!
(3)
Imani B.
I have a problem. I love brunch. Eggs, pancakes, french toast, crispy thick bacon, mimosas, coffee...any and all, and I am in. I BRUNCH HARD! Met some ladies here on the UWS a few Sundays ago. Got there around 10:45 and was seated by 11:15. Service was good, food was excellent. I will return.
(4)
Donna S.
We had a reservation for three on a Monday at 1230p. The restaurant was far from full. I asked for a quiet table, as we had not seen each other in some time and were headed for a wake, following lunch. I pointed out a table in the rear corner and was told that was a table usually for 4 or 5, and we could not sit there, despite the restaurant having ample empty tables. .I was shown to a noisy spot on a row a tables against a wall. Not happy. The service was otherwise good and the food good as well. Nothing special.
(2)
Carlos M.
Me and the girlfriend thought to give this a try since all other brunch spots had lines. I had the salmon benedict that was definitely more than A-ok. The atmosphere had kind of a diner feel and was quite busy. We were sat quickly without reservations but only because it was just the two of us. There was a group of 4 people infront of us that walked in right before us and were told there would would be a 40 minute wait. Service was ok as they focused on the bigger parties. Highly recommend the reservations if you care to try but you aren't missing out on anything big.
(3)
Omar F.
Ok, So I would do brunch in groups just to make everyone order a different dish so we could sample. Simply delicious. Expect to wait in line on the weekends, but it's well worth it. You may luck out and have a street fair near by to kill some time. The Almond Encrusted French Toast is what "portly dreams" are made of! I cried once when I craved it on a Monday morning, they only serve it on weekends. YUM.
(5)
Ava R.
Yummmmm! The almond crusted french toast was great, and I'm very picky about my french toast. The chicken sausages were really good too and nicely balanced with a chunky, very sweet applesauce. Friends had really good home fries, a big fluffy looking omelet, and crisp bacon. I don't know if I'm a fan of the mimosa deal--$9 for a mini bottle and constant refills of juice. It seemed too expensive after being to so many places that offer unlimited champagne cocktails with brunch. The wait was about 30 minutes but I guess that's to be expected. The atmosphere was a little boring but even though the restaurant was full, it didn't feel crowded like most places so that's a plus. Definitely a nice spot, I just wish they had more variety on their menu.
(4)
Courtney T.
Absolutely best brunch experience- that is of course after being seated. My only big gripe with this place is that they do not accept brunch reservations, so the four of us had to wait nearly an hour for a table. We didn't mind it at first, we already knew we would have to wait a while and it just gave us more time to catch up. Once finally inside, we were warmly greeted and offered superior service for the entirety of the meal. Everyone loved what they ordered- each item was truly delicious and I was a fan of my more-than-enough mimosa placed on the table for me to add more in the flute at any time- a real treat. The four of us had an amazing brunch here, it could have only been improved by an immediately available table for four.
(4)
Albert S.
Dinner. Very slow night, maybe six other tables. Enjoyed the lobster prix fixe with two friends, great deal. Lovely country chic decor, server was attentive and very accommodating. Will have to return to try their brunch soon.
(4)
J G.
Sarabeth's is a good place for brunch, as long as you're ok with waiting. I've been there for Sunday brunch early in the afternoon twice and had to wait about 30 minutes each time. I wasn't in a rush so I was perfectly fine waiting. On my first visit I had the buttermilk pancakes and on the second visit I had the classic egg benedict and split the french toast with my friend. All three dishes were good, and that's what you can expect at Sarabeth's, consistently good food. It's a bit overpriced for brunch, but it's worth the splurge from time to time because it's a nice atmosphere with good service and food that doesn't disappoint.
(3)
Shez P.
We had breakfast here based on a friend's recommendation and Sarabeth's didn't disappoint. Our server was great and made our meal even better. I had the Farmer's omelet and my gf had the salmon egg's benedict. Both of our meals were excellent. My gf thought the place was very cute and charming.
(4)
Jae B.
Fantastic. I passed by one day, and this couple was having the most delicious looking pot-pie I've laid my eyes upon. Of course, I promised myself that I shall come back in the earliest convenience to try some of that. On the way back from the amazingly fantogosmical Wicked, I decided to treat myself to a nice homey dinner. Me being no-land-animal-please person, I asked for shrimp/fish/mushroom substitute for the free-range chicken of the pot pie. They said that it be 3 dollar extra and I happily obliged. My only disappointment was the fact that because the dish was so fresh and steaming hot, the pastry had separated itself from the edge of the oven dish. It was delectable, and with the exception of three small fingerling potatoes, I finished the whole dish. Will be coming back...this time with a beautiful company.
(5)
Michael K.
A quaint, brunch-centric restaurant with solid homestyle cooking. The menu is overpriced, but their hot chocolate is to die for.
(3)
Martha-Anne N.
Came for breakfast/brunch. It was packed but the wait was only about 20 minutes. Had the scrambled eggs with a berry muffin. My friend had the eggs benedict. The coffee was awesome! Great atmosphere and good service. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Claire L.
Their pancakes are really really nice and they put four pieces of them ( smaller than usual size) in one dish. My friends always can't move after finishing them... The salmon omelet is good too. Well, most of the dishes are nice in sarabeth. But even that, I don't like to wait for half an hour or even longer every time...
(4)
Elizabeth C.
This place is fantastic! The food is excellent, the service is great! We came on a Tuesday night, so obviously missed the brunch crowd that Sarabeth's is famous for, but we were seated promptly, served at a great pace, and every bit of every dish was delicious. If you don't like lines, try another day of the week - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Liz C.
Came in on a Tuesday morning for brunch. No wait which is always awesome. Perfect location if you're going onto the MET afterward (only about 4 blocks down). As soon as I walk in, I'm surprised by the decor. Nothing wrong with it, but reminded me of a hotel lobby/hotel restaurant. Nothing wrong with that, but just a little surprising. I got the pumpkin waffles with sour cream, strawberries, pumpkin seeds and raisins. Waffles was interesting, moist but wished they gave whipped cream instead of sour cream. My friend got the "red popeye" which looked good. That dish consisted of scrabbled eggs and spinach atop an english muffin with a side of sauteed tomatoes. Overall, great place to eat brunch, but not so sure I would want to wait in line for this place.
(4)
Mary T.
We had breakfast on Friday morning and it was very good. The spinach and goat cheese omelet was tasty. It was crowded and busy but all the staff was all smiles.
(5)
Maria B.
Amazing service and food! My entire family was in town, so we needed a reservation for 12! Through Open Table, I made one reservation for 6 and my brother was to do the same. When we arrived at 8:30 on a Sunday morning, my brother said - "oh, I wasn't able to get online to make the reservation." The amazing staff at Sarabeth's was able to seat us anyway. We had a table of 8 and another of 4, but the hiccup took no longer than 5 minutes to accommodate. We had a fabulous waiter, who made helpful recommendations for the three kids in our party. Coffee was always filled, all the orders were correct and came out in a timely manner. And the food was phenomenal. I ordered the Farmer's Omelette with egg whites. It was huge (i'd guess at least 5 - 6 egg whites), but was thoroughly cooked (often omelettes that size are runny in the middle) with the perfect balance of fillings to eggs. By the time we left, there was a line out the door - and with good reason!!
(5)
Steph H.
Sarabeth's needs another stellar review about as much as I need a hole in the head. The reviews were spot on, great fresh food and great service. Came here EARLY (circa 9am) on a Saturday and had no problems being seated. If you're going to go to a place like this do yourself a favor and get there early. When we were leaving there was a line out the door (in the pouring rain). I had the eggs benny and it was simply fantastic! The coffee is great too! Overall great brunch!
(5)
Toonces ..
I had breakfast here last Sunday and it was totally awesome! I couldn't stop raving all throughout our meal how good the food was. We got there around 11am and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table which wasn't too bad. We actually happened upon Sarabeth's on the Upper East Side later that same day and they had a small line as well, so I think you should expect to see that. We order the almond crusted french toast with a pomegranate-cherry drizzle and Farmer's omelette stuffed with ham and gruyere with a banana muffin served with one of Sarabeth's signature strawberry preserves. Because it was our last day in the city, we couldn't help but order the softshell crab sandwich to go as well. Everything was DELISH! Even the house drip coffee was perfectly brewed. The service was fast and courteous. If you go to Sarabeth's website and look at pix of the interior, it looks kind of cold, but it's actually more cozy when you're there.
(5)
Rich W.
Brunch on a Sunday. Told it was a 45-minute wait; turned out to be 70 minutes. With the long line of people waiting, I thought the restaurant would provdie reasonably accurate wait times. An hour and a half later we were seated, only to experience mediocre food and services. Sarabeth's is being served long past its stay-fressh date.
(2)
Kristi C.
Great oatmeal selection for breakfast! (and verrryyy Goldilocks and the three bears) While generally our breakfast experience was fine, there were a few things that were disappointing... 1. the eggs are not cage free (think EXTREMELY inhumane) 2. they don't have soy milk (???!!!) 3. the coffee was burnt However good things to note: 1. we got there at 10am and were seated straight away, the line was out the door by the time we left 2. good selection of vego options... several oatmeal choices and lots o' pancakes :)
(3)
Philip N.
Sarabeth's provided a satisfying, yet slightly ordinary dining experience. The place is cozy and packed, well kept but far from being haughty in presentation. The food was savory and fine enough, but nothing really jumped out at you. I got the farmer's omelette, filled with leeks, bacon, and gruyere. Again, tasty. But nothing to get you to do a double take in terms of taste. I was also slightly disappointed in the preserves, as they also could have passed off as storebought despite being homemade. To be honest, my girlfriend's Morning Crunch granola with fruit and yogurt was actually more tasty than my whole meal. Again, a good meal, just short of being great.
(3)
lane k.
What is wrong with people? Is this the only restaurant on the UWS side that serves brunch? Go ahead, and enjoy your two hour wait standing on the sidewalk while I eat a fabulous brunch right in front of you at one of the restaurants nearby. You shouldn't believe everything you read, people. Sometimes you might want to be a tad experiemental and try a place that hasn't been written up in your 1979 Zagat's. And no, I'm not a competing restauranteer, I don't even live on the UWS anymore. But I'm really tired of tripping over you people on the sidewalk every time I go up there. I have eaten here, and it's just not worth the wait. Really.
(1)
David L.
Awesome place! It can be somewhat pricey, but I will justify it with this: I have yet to have a single bad experience, server, or meal here. Incredibly friendly and accommodating. It's so good, in fact, brunch can get ridiculously packed really quickly.
(5)
Melissa H.
Being from Chicago and having visited NY before, I felt that both cities share some similarities but I don't believe Brunch is one of them. Chicago is overflowing with restaurants that serve fantastic breakfast/brunch.....maybe its more of a Midwest thing. After seeing all the great reviews we had to try Sarabeth's West. This definitely was the best breakfast place out of all the breakfast/brunch restaurants we visited in NY. We were there on a Monday morning though, and we were there early which is probably why our service was great! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I kept it simple with scrambled eggs and potatoes while the hubby had the Farmer's Omlette. Both were great!
(4)
Inna K.
It's quite possible that Sarabeth's doesn't need another review. We all know the food is great, the baked goodies are yummy, the service is friendly and the wait is LONG. What you may not know is McAleer's is right next door and serves unlimited Bloody Marys during brunch hours. Very good Bloody Marys. Yes, you buy one and after that... just keep drinking. So, give the friendly hostess at Sarabeth your name and tell her you are going to be next door. She'll get you when your table is ready. Yes, they really are that nice.
(4)
Steven T.
Excellent Eggs Benedict! Muffins were a little dry. Try any of the fresh juices.
(4)
Caroline I.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!!! Five stars for the food, minus 1 for prices. Came here on a weekday for breakfast and it was packed. First came to Sarabeth's about 9 years ago. Good to know that this is still a quality place to eat b-fast/brunch. The host of the dining room is wearing a suit and my friend and I are in workout gear, after coming from a brisk jog in the park. Nevermind, there were others dressed in workout gear as well as more business-y attire. Must try the lemon ricotta pancakes!!! For the two of us, breakfast (2 entrees, a side of fruit, 2 coffees) was $55.
(4)
Sarah S.
I went here today (Columbus Day), so even though it was a Monday, it was relatively crowded, but I didn't have to wait. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and almond-crusted french toast. I wasn't blown away by the food, but also have nothing to complain about. I like the lemon ricotta pancakes better though--it was a perfect balance between sweet & lemon/tart :) The almond-crusted french toast was seriously just okay..a bit too much almond for me & a little dry for my taste. I don't know if I particularly enjoyed the sauce (cranberry or strawberry) they drizzled on :/ If i go here next time, I'll def. try their egg dishes before I decide if I would want to return here for breakfast/brunch again. Bottom line, it's a place worth trying.
(3)
aude h.
Went there for brunch on a Saturday morning. Place was full but no crazy wait. The food was very good, especially the salmon omelet. Good service and pleasant decor
(4)
Jerry T.
really overrated. Everything is too greasy, really not worth the wait. Go to nice matin instead
(1)
thom s.
Ive been here 5 times. The first four were during last year and were very good experiences. Sarabeths became a place where I brought people when they visited the city. Todays visit. however, was poor and it was embarrassing because I brought a friend from out of town and raved about how good it was the whole way there. The food came luke-warm and, beside pouring coffee into my cup as she rushed by, the wait-person never asked me how the meal was or if I needed anything else. On top of that, there was a line out the door while three tables remained set and ready, during that time I overheard the hostess complaining about her job. In addition, everyone had their winter coats while they ate because it was too cold inside. I kindly asked the hostess if the heat could be turned up and she said it was and that the cold was due to people opening and closing the door. This is New England, it gets cold every winter, why not just put a better heating system in place? I wouldnt have minded so much if this had been a diner, but this is the restaurant that I waited 45 minutes in line for so I could pay $7.00 for a side order of 2 cold fried eggs. I hardly ever tip below 20% but I did today and explained to the manager why, and promised him that Id give them another chance. Someday Ill go back, iif the service is better ill amend the rating
(2)
Devon S.
Coming at about 11 on a Friday morning, I didn't need to wait in line nor bum around the UWS while a table became available. However, knowing what I know now, I don't think I could ever justify WAITING for the food here. The server was extremely nice and hospitable, although I wish she had been a tad more helpful in the selection process. (When a patron asks which of two items is better, and you reply "Everything is great here!"....yeah, that's not going to aid in the decision-making.) I ordered grapefruit juice, and they were out. Settled for the orange juice, which was cutely served with a straw. Now, I could be wrong, and oranges on the East Coast might taste entirely different from those on the West Coast, but this juice was sweet. Sweet as in it tasted like tangerine juice. Moh well. And then the food. O hai three little blintzes. When I come in for brunch, I come expecting to be rolled out of the restaurant, my clothes bursting at the seams. The cheese blintzes were tiny, and while served with apple butter that was equally good, maybe filled about a quarter of my stomach. If I hadn't been on a tight budget, I would have ordered something else, but you know what? When I'm paying $12 for blintzes, I sure as hell hope they at least attempt to be filling. This was the my only brunch/breakfast while I was in NYC, and I was certainly underwhelmed. C'mon kids, don't let a long line trick you into thinking mediocre is amazing!
(3)
Jennifer L.
I heard good reviews about Sarabeth's, so I decided to go with a couple of co-workers for Sunday brunch. With no reservations made and considering it was a Sunday, I expected to wait. And wait we did for a little more than a half hour. I ordered the salmon eggs Benedict and we ordered fries for the table. The salmon eggs Benedict came in rather petite portions with a side of greens. The smoked salmon was a bit different from the standard bacon/ham, but it was a good different that I wish more restaurants had this offering. Overall, I was satisfied with the brunch despite the $30 fare.
(4)
Ceeee C.
This is a typical mediocre brunch restaurant. We had the anticipated one hour wait for a table on a cold blustery Sunday morning, as we all tried to squeeze into the lobby. The service was not bad, but had to remind the waitress about the juice I ordered. I found the menu to be a bit disappointing. We ended up having to order sides, because none of our entries came with much. The overpriced Mimosas were okay - I did like the fishbowl glass Bloody Marys. I ordered a Frittata which was delicious, but just not overly impressed. I just think of all the incredible places to eat in the city, and this place is not exactly what comes to mind.
(3)
Ty H.
Love this place. The salmon eggs benedict is ridiculously good... Brunch here is always lovely.
(5)
Nyc F.
Traveling for food is what we do... and traveling to Sarabeth's for brunch was a real treat. The staff is very friendly, the decor atmosphere is casual and the menu has plenty of options. Some of the Must Try's from the menu: - Lemon Ricotta pancakes, you will get 4 fluffy and soft cakes with powdered sugar on top. These pancakes are absolutely delicious! They come with a side of assorted berries. I would also recommend ordering the Chicken Apple Sausage (2 links) and the Potatoes. The pancakes are definitely filling enough, but some variety is always nice. We have also had the toasted Almond French Toast, which is absolutely delish! Finally, for brunch you must try the flower mimosa as this comes with additional champagne on the side ;) If you plan on coming on a sunday, you will see about a 45min wait, but well worth it. To provide a sample of the cost (for 2 adults) 1 Lemon Ricotta pancake, 1 toasted almond french toast, apple sausage links, potatoes, 2 mimosas = $72.
(5)
Sarah B.
I'm not the type of person who minds waiting 45 minutes or an hour for a table at a good restaurant. If you don't want to wait there a hundreds of empty places in the city you can visit and get mediocre food. We stopped by for Sunday brunch with a party of five, so we waited. Which we didn't mind until it was time to order ... I ordered a mimosa only to find out they were out of champagne. How does that happen during Sunday brunch? No really take a second to think about that ... no mimosas! As the rest of our group ordered we discovered there were a few other things missing from the menu as they had run out. When we finally did get our food it was good, not great. Our expectations may have been too high as we had an amazing experiance at the Key West location a few years ago.
(2)
Ed H.
I am kind of myeh on the food. What really made my nipples perk was the array of jams and preserves they ponied up at the table. Blood orange marmalade on an English muffin. Hotter then Adriana Lima in the VS catalog. Okay, I exaggerate, kind of. If given the choice of all the jam and preserves I want of any kind, for life, or one night with her, I'd have to go with a lifetime of jam.
(3)
Paolo D.
I came here on a recommendation from a friend. I was told this was the place to go if you like your eggs. I was very disappointed. I ordered the Popeye egg dish (can't remember the exact name) and a cappuccino. The dish was bland and the cappuccino wasn't spectacular. Fortunately, I went during the winter on a weekday, so I did not wait in line.
(2)
Vicki Z.
The worst dining experience of lifetime. The waiter ignored us the whole time when we had breakfast there. The food is very basic not even great but it is really popular. A waiter called Johnathan something is a total asshole. He delivered my frd's breakfast 10 mins earlier than mine. And didn't even say a sorry. When my breakfast on the table, the eggs already cold. never go again even they pay me.
(1)
Sabrina W.
One of my all-time favorite ways to start a weekend is with brunch at Sarabeth's with a mimosa, coffee, and almond-crusted french toast with raspberry drizzle. I could stop there but I'd be doing a disservice to the place so in addition to the great 'sweet' breakfasts like the french toasts, pancakes, blintzes, etc there are a lot of egg options to choose from as well, including traditional or smoked salmon eggs benedict, great omelettes, and more schtuff to raise one's cholesterol. Like many NY establishments, however, egg whites can be substituted for a small surcharge, a small price to pay if that's the type of thing that eases your conscience. Also on the menu are healthier options like granola, fruit & yogurt, and porridges with honey and other variations of toppings, but somehow I have not been as tempted by those items when I arrive and by the time I get a table. I've waited for up to 40 minutes a couple times and the best tip I can give is to arrive before or after peak brunch times (i.e. before 11am or after 2pm). This is only one of several locations that are sprinkled around Manhattan and they're all equally popular for brunch. I've seen quite a few celebs here in my many visits, including Diddy, Alec Baldwin, and that big female wrestler 'whatsherface' (sorry I cannot remember for the life of me). Not a reason to visit but could be an added perk. (Just be considerate if you end up sitting next to a famous someone and try not to gawk or stare!)
(4)
Ashley B.
We had a great breakfast here last week. The wait was about 15 minutes on Saturday morning. Our waiter was great . Husband had an omelet and I had the granola with fruit. Perfect!
(5)
Amelia E.
went there for brunch for a friends birthday, its one of the brunch places that were on top of my list for quite some time (either location), so I was happy we got a table quickly (we had a reservation, but for a later time that day). The place itself is ok, has a cottage-feel to it, but I am not particularly fond of that. The items on the menu sounded good, but thats when it went downhill. Firstly, we wanted to order a bottle of sparkling wine (since it was my friends birthday) but were harshly told by our waittress that they dont have that (I wonder how they make their mimosas...), so we ordered bloody marys and a blue moon. the bloody marys were good, really big and very spicy (might be too spicy for some people). we wanted an orange with the blue moon, but were told that they dont have oranges. so we order our found and are told that out of the maybe 8 bakery options, they dont have four including croissants (I thought they are famous for their baked goods and it wasnt that late). The food (we all had omlettes) was ok, but not that special either. I guess with a friendlier waitress we would have enjoyed the place more (albeit the lack of certain items). Generally, we didnt feel very welcome at the place, neither coffee nor water were refilled. It seems like you are much more welcome when you come with a child, very childfriendly (which, in return, we are not too keen on). When we left, we saw a lady sitting outside drinking a piccolo bottle of sparkling wine... It was just not what I was expecting, there are so many other places for brunch....
(3)
Adam H.
A brunch DREAM. I was seriously hungry last Sunday morning when I came here with my friend, but when I looked at the menu and saw about 10 things that looked amazing to me I knew I was in for something fantastic. After drowning myself in some much needed and delicious coffee, we ordered and split the entrees. Searching for totally opposite types of flavors, we got the Almond-Crusted French Toast with Cranberry-Cherry Sauce and not wanting to be too fat, we ordered the Garden Omelette (broccoli, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, corn and Vermont cheddar) as well. I was incredibly impressed with both dishes, but there was something very very special with the french toast. I've been eating homemade french toast for as long as I can remember. My dad, who's a fantastic cook, has made french toast all my life and 95% of the time restaurants can't touch it. It's simple, full of flavor (whether it's plain, banana or blueberry), and perfectly golden brown. Only the truly insatiable would look elsewhere. Sarabeth's french toast, while different, indeed rivals my dad's. The crisp outside with almond crust, the lightly powdered sugar, and soft interior was perfectly combined, and to add to its loveliness, the sauce was a revelation. It wasn't soupy or watery, and was bursting with deliciousness. What a relief to have the proper amount of topping! Anyway, the brunch was divine. Luckily, there are a number of locations in the city for everyone to enjoy. I hope the others deliver so strongly. This is worthy of a 5 star brunch review.
(5)
Liz E.
After over forty-five minutes of waiting in the October sun, my friend and I were finally called to enter the girlish world of Sarabeth's, where the servers are so-so but the food sublime and plentiful. We started off with, as my friend described, "good" coffee and five dollar orange and grapefruit juices each. The juice is expensive but it's quite excellent, unmarred by the addition of sugar. We were both in a waffle mood, so while my friend dug into a huge, orange-colored pumpkin waffle, I tackled a crispy potato one adorned with chicken sausage. Both breakfast dishes were the pinnacle of their respective flavors: sweet and savory. The pumpkin waffle, though accompanied by a dollop of sour cream, was dense and sugary what with the maple syrup and smattering of raisins and nutty pepitas. Mine, on the other hand, was like a Jewish dream come true, with a chunky applesauce that was not at all sweet for dipping. Because the bill is steep, it might only be worth to come to Sarabeth's once a year, especially since you'll need a break from the caloric offerings on the menu. And when you do, come early to beat the sometimes hour-long wait.
This place was placed here to fulfill my brunchiest dreams! On my first visit to NYC, my dear friend brought me to Sarabeth's because she'd heard good things about it, and boy did she hear right! Upon walking into the venue, you'll notice that the milieu carries a beach-side nostalgia and quiet ambient chatter. Loved it. The hostess and servers were perfectly friendly a we were seated and placed our order: Salmon Eggs Benedict and Almond Crusted French Toast. My friend requested iced tea to accompany her meal, while I had English Breakfast with milk and sugar for mine. What a prefect compliment! When the food arrived, there were no regrets. The Salmon Eggs Benedict was AMAZING! Moist, savory, and served at the perfect temperature, I couldn't ask for a better bite-sized party on my taste buds. Yes, it was THAT GOOD. As for the Almond Crusted French Toast, it was sweet and carried the perfect texture and delectable taste. Thank you, Sarabeth. Life was good at this moment in NYC. :)
(5)
Evelyn K.
Sarabeth's was jam packed on a Sunday afternoon. We thought that we were escaping the crowds by going for brunch at 2 in the afternoon, but we still had to wait about 45 minutes to get a table. But my oh my, was it worth the standing around and listening to our stomachs growl. I appeased myself for a little bit by ordering an iced tea over the bakery counter. It was lightly flavored with passionfruit and garnished with a sprig of mint. Mmmm... So, while we were waiting, we had a chance to study the menu and Michele and I decided to split a couple things. We decided on the lemon ricotta pancakes and the salmon eggs benedict. We were finally seated upstairs, we ordered right away since we were starved at that point. The service was speedy and responsive. The food was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious! I couldn't have dreamt of better afternoon brunch. Oh yeah, and the iced tea was served in these lovely little pitchers. A very elegant touch. I also got some goodies to go for the ride back down to DC...a currant scone, plum cherry jam, and some little cookies. :-D I was a happy camper!
(5)
Alena B.
This place is great. Best breakfast/brunch in the city. Yes...it just costs too much...yes you could be waiting a LONG time if you don't get your butt up at the crack of dawn or know someone who can get you in. This is all true, but it's the best sourdough you will find in the City (and I'm from San Francisco...I KNOW sourdough) and lovely omelets with fresh, yummy ingredients. French toast is to die for....pumpkin waffles. It's high end but it's good good good!
(4)
Nysa L.
Man o' man o' man. My mouth waters thinking of the goodness that was the potato waffles and chicken sausage. Absolutely delish! The syrup was super yum as well. I was disappointed with my super weak and watery Green tea but I am a green tea snob to be fair. . . I forgot what my girlfriend had but I remember it was yum too. Reasonable prices. Cute decor though our two person table was a bit too intimate. My knee kept knocking my girlfriends and we aren't models..SMH. And I felt like everyone around us could clearly hear our conversation...which normally would be fine, but not today...this very adult, morning-after conversation could scar a lil' Curly Shirley for life. But Go! ....skip the brunch rush by going late brunch hours.
(4)
Jeff Y.
this place was my last sit down restaurant on my recent visit to NYC. It was rainy and busy on a Sunday morning brunch, so a wait was expected. The staff got us in in a very orderly manner and so I really have no complaints there. My buddy and I shared the crab cake Benedict and lemon ricotta pancake, both which were tasty, but not mind wowwing. I started with the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with fresh berries and was pleasantly surprised with the lemon zest married with not too doughy pancake batter (I HATE DOUGHY pancakes). The berries were sweet and not preserves so that was a plus. The crab cake benedict came with a side of toss greens topped with light dressing, but I can't think of anything spectacular about it. The yolk was a bit runny, the way I like it, and the biscuit was flaky as it should be. Overall, not a bad dish, but like I said.. could have been better.. possibly the crab cake could use a bit more seasoning. btw there was a decent amount of crab and there were two biscuits and two eggs. we came away with a bill under $30 as we avoided their $3.50 drip coffee, total rip.. coffee cost what.. cents??.. what's up with that. All, in all, I like the place for their professional service and solitaire, clean, baby-power fresh bathrooms. amen.
(4)
Toya F.
Ive only been here for brunch. This place gets so busy during the weekend for brunch that's there's always a line full of UWS parents with strollers trying to get in. This is a place you got to on an off day...like during the week or a very rainy or snowy day to avoid the wait. I would say the best food item is the Lemon and Ricotta pancakes. I wasn't feeling the chicken sausage. Its a big space which is rare for a NYC restaurant. I will definitely go back maybe when I take off from work to see the Planetarium.
(4)
B. Y.
I know it's been around forever and is nothing new in a city that prizes the latest and greatest, but I can't help it. I love the place. Whenever I visit, I get the same thing - which is always perfection - the pumpkin waffle with chicken apple sausage, a side of three pepper potatoes and the four flowers juice. It kind of ages me, though, that now all of these items are about double the price they were when I first tried them . . .
(4)
Paul O.
Sarabeth's West was essentially an expensive Denny's. There wasn't much of an atmosphere and the food was terrible. I got the chicken caesar salad and could not believe how bad it was. And it cost nearly $20! What a waste. Don't go.
(2)
Maryam S.
Well, get ready to wait at least 30 minutes for a table... But, once you sit down you're in luck. My farmer's omelet (bacon, leeks, gruyere cheese, potatos) was delicious, as was the pumpkin muffin I got alongside. It's a lot of omelet for one person, but don't worry, I finished it all. I'd like to go back here and try it for their other meal options... the dinner menu looks super tasty.
(4)
Jack N.
As good as brunch gets on the UWS!!! You must do it! We had the Salmon Eggs Benedict & the lemon Ricotta pancakes... Both were so amazing, balanced, and good, that we ordered additional orders of each!! Really great service, amazing food - every drop of that food is good. :) Waiters was great in providing recommendations too! I will be a new regular :)
(5)
Cory L.
This is the place to go for vistiors craving a quaint brunch, egg lovers (as duly noted by others), and even families (this one has a full lot of stroller parking on the weekends). My wife found this a number of years ago--and we even dutifully bought the jam at Target until they mysteriously stopped carrying it. I may be an outlier but this type of food in the Whitney setting seems anachronistic. But I tried the Central Park West location with a group and liked the setting even more than this Upper West original. If you haven't gone--you need to try it--as it does a homemade, back-to-basics in a snazzier way than most and will only disappoint those whose expectations are set disproportionately too high.
(4)
Aisha W.
One word, yummy. This place does brunch right! Way crowded restaurant though and long wait due to popularity, tough on a cold day. I had the french toast with strawberries and bananas and my friend had the spinach and goat cheese omelette. We both became members of the clean plate club! Still left feeling a little hungry though.
(4)
Jamara W.
LOVE THIS PLACE ! Went to Sarabeth's this past Saturday on a whim. The food was excellent. I had the red omelette which was a life changing decadence filled with a chunky sauce of tomatoes and red peppers with cheddar cheese, topped with a dollop of sour cream with chives For drinks we had Four Flowers Juice and the fresh squeezed OJ. My partner had the french toast which was to die for. The fruit they served was fresh and the service was speedy. We were there before 11 am so there wasnt a wait but the line was forming by the time we left. We never felt rushed to eat or leave just the right touch of service and ambiance. We will make Sarabeths part of our brunch rotation from now on.
(5)
Alecia C.
Enjoying everything. Wait was short. On my second 4 juice cocktail. Awesome. Food amazing. Friendly service. SO GOOD..I can not wait for my next breakfast meeting in NYC.
(5)
Amy S.
The food was delicious and wonderful...but $4 for coffee? $6 for orange juice? I would absolutely go back, but next time I'm drinking coffee at home first. I thought the food prices were totally reasonable - I think it was about $10-$15 per breakfast entree. The food was really, really terrific. I had one of their oatmeals (with wheat berries, cream, brown sugar, and I think some other stuff I forgot) and my husband had a potato waffle with apple sauce, sour cream, and maple syrup. I really would like to try everything on the menu. It was pretty crowded when we were there, but we were seated quickly. The service was fine - nothing memorable, but we certainly did not have a bad experience.
(3)
Jesse H.
Nothing special here. Had a bland steak and fries and a mediocre nacho appetizer. NY has much more to offer!
(2)
Katherine L.
This place is wonderful for an after dinner tea and dessert. It's got classy atmosphere, not too crowded at night, and the waitress if friendly even if people are just interested in desserts. I know that this place is famous for brunch, but I like this place at night.
(4)
Lia M.
Went for Saturday morning brunch, and place was crowded by 9 am, but we did not have to wait. Our server was friendly, though a little scattered. The hostess was super nice. The inside is really cute, but small. Lots of families come here (the 'hood is filled with 'em). Would not bring a group here. I had the fat & fluffy French toast with homefries & juice. The homefries & fresh juice were great. Probably the best homefries I've had. The French toast was alright, but would not order again. The boyfriend loved his cheddar omelet & croissant. He said the coffee was good too. We did have a 15 minute wait from the time they cleared our table until the time we received our check though. Maybe because there wasn't a line at the time? Anyways, would definately come back, and maybe try the waffles or pancakes.
(4)
Erik L.
I was visiting on vacation in the area and was taken here on my last day. First of all the wait for brunch was pretty long, but the food was excellent. I got the potato waffles with smoked apple sausage and apple sauce. Actually the apple sauce was my favorite part as it had a jelly-like texture. Everyone in my group seemed satisfied with their meals and I heard the muffins are really good as well. If I ever get back to New York I know where to go for a good brunch this time.
(4)
Melissa H.
This place was an absolute disappointment, I regret straying away from G.E.T.E even more after coming here! We went on a Monday night, the streets were dead, as well as Sarabeth's. We assumed the service would be on point since there were four servers, and a total of six customers. But you know what they say when you assume... The menu isn't anything impressive, but there's some good home-cooked feel options. I decided to go with the ($25) prix fixe. Tomato soup for starters, tilapia with root vegetable puree and strawberries & cream for dessert. My boyfriend decided on the Ceasar and chicken pot pie. The waitress came to take our drink order (tap water for both of us) and it took about 20 minutes for her to bring it over, and it came with the starters. The soup was actually really good, still had chunks of fresh tomato in it. The ceasar salad was.. a ceasar salad. Nothing extraordinary. The breads in the bread basket were all delicious, but cold. Agh! A while after, the dinner arrived -- they never cleared the starter plates ,so we held them up so the entrees could be placed down. The tilapia (and accompanying sauce) was really good, cooked very well. The "root vegetables"? Just mashed potatoes, with crispy leeks on top. The pot pie was more of a reconstructed one, with the puff pastry being placed on top in the ramekin. Neither us were really impressed. After sitting there for literally 25 minutes after our entree was done, a waitress finally came over. We were fed up with sitting there for soooooo long that I barely finished the strawberries (although the fresh cream was very good) and we peaced outta there. I do dig the old-style decor, though. Although the light fixtures need some updating.
(2)
Minji K.
It's a bit cramped and you'll usually have to wait, but in my opinion, the brunch at Sarabeth's is well worth it. Their lemon ricotta pancakes are SO GOOD - fluffy with a not-too-overpowering touch of lemon. I've tried many a time to recreate them at home and have failed miserably. Their omelettes have the fillings actually running throughout and not just hidden in the middle - I'd recommend the farmer's omelette. I've gotten their peach apricot jam to go, which was also amazing.
(4)
Marty R.
We've been having breakfast/brunch at Sarabeth's whenever we visit the city for about 10 years now. It has a terrific selection of egg dishes (I love the Goldie Lox) and delicious pancakes, muffins, and breads. When we visited last year, we had dinner there for the first time. We had a prix fixe dinner with lobster, which included salad and a huge dessert, all for a very reasonable price. The food is good any time of day.
(4)
felicity s.
Sarabeths was strangely empty last night, maybe because we showed up at 9.30pm - anyway the food was lovely, so it deserved to be busier. A good selection of bread to start - I swiped the raisin nut roll before my friend got a look in - and then I had a risotto with shrimp and proscuitto. I was a bit worried by the amount of proscuitto in it - rather a lot - but in fact it tasted pretty good, not too salty, and the shrimp were gratifyingly large and very well cooked. My friend went for 2 appetisers, some quesadilla and a plate of butternut ravioli - he didn't leave me any, so I can't say what they were like - but he seemed pretty happy. We shared a really lovely warm bread pudding for dessert with vanilla sauce - yum.
(4)
Arch R.
I can't say enough about this place! There are very few places in NYC you would go to twice for brunch because there are SO MANY choices, but sarabeth's is definitely one of them. I don't love that there's a long-ish wait on the weekends but then again, it's NYC. The red omlette and almond-crusted french toast are my absolute favorites! I always get my friend to order one and I order the other and share because both are not to be missed out on! If you are in UWS, be sure to check out this place for a yummy brunch with great service.
(5)
Chris L.
Service is terrible. Food is decent but Good Enough To Eat is way better all around and it's only a couple of blocks north. Go there. Great service and best brunch in NYC.
(2)
Allison M.
Okayish food, indifferent service which gets lousy if you stay long enough, high prices. We had to beg for our water glasses to be refilled, which they then were maybe once? And for Pete's sake change the glasses when they get grubby, people. I hate sitting there looking at a grubby water glass. Same deal with the coffee. For four bucks you get one cup and when you ask for a refill you get a nice big genuine smile and....nothing. Our wine came AFTER our meals had arrived and even then we had to ask repeatedly for it. Basically if you go here be prepared to badger the wait staff constantly but I mean really, why bother?
(2)
Steve G.
Wrapping up a sunny, winter day in NYC, we chanced an early dinner here with two preschoolers. As luck had it, we slid in for the lunch/tea menu. How many little kids complain with scones and cookies on two towers in their faces? Our little ones loved the homemade chips & guac while my wife and I enjoyed the calm and romantic setting. With so many amazing restaurants in the city to try, I am happy to say we are likely to return!
(4)
Vee V.
Does it live up to the hype? ... Not in my book. I went out late last night and went to sleep dreaming about the delicious brunch I was going to eat. We got to Sarabeth's around 1pm and waited about 50 minutes until we were seated. By that time, we were starving and had watched as waiters walked by with tons of yummy plates of eggs and waffles etc. Which made ordering all the more exciting... I ordered eggs benedict (sans the ham) bc i'm a vegetarian, and the waiter kindly offered to make it eggs florentine (with spinach instead). My bf got the red omelet and my brother got the spinach and goat cheese omelet. We also got the "morning crunch" (granola, fruits and yogurt) and a side of potatoes to share. The food came rather quickly (a definite plus), and the first few bites were really exciting. However, a few more bites, and I realized that it was just the hunger talking. While Sarabeth's has good quality food, the meals are not very inventive or mouthwatering, just standard brunch fare. All three entrees were okay - the omelets were fluffy (nothing special) and my eggs florentine were on these weird disks of doughy bread, instead of an english muffin... (as advertised in the menu!) As for the sides, "morning crunch" and potatoes were rather mediocre. The granola was definitely not toasted, and did not have a lot of texture or flavor. The potatoes were just sauteed with some peppers, really bland, they definitely could afford to spice this up. (My suggestion would be to cook the potatoes until they get tough on the outside and stay soft on the inside...) I suppose I was disappointed because I set my standards too high... Since I cook so much and really enjoy making breakfast/brunch, I often go out to restaurants to find new and innovative recipes. While I could go here again for an okay meal, I'd rather try another place where the wait time is less, and the coffee doesn't cost $3.50! (oh yeah the coffee....bleh!) ps. (I do regret not trying something off the "sweet" stuff menu... maybe i'll have to reconsider?)
(3)
David X.
Great brunch place, minus the wait. Fortunately I got there like 10 minutes ahead of everyone else so, I guess, on average we only waited like 20 minutes or so. Doesn't hurt to flash a smile or two at the hostess either.... But the food was great and we weren't hurried at all. I had a lox omelette which was good, except lox isn't really lox when it's actually cooked, but whatever it was still tasty. We also got a collective order of home fries that was quite tasty, and the muffins that accompanied all the dishes were all great, not too sweet but buttery and yummy.
(4)
Neha S.
I've been to this Sarabeth's a bunch of times. The wait for brunch isn't too bad, but I don't think it's worth it. But I'm also not a big breakfast person. Have gotten the french toast here which was very good. Wasn't a fan of the Bloody Mary or the pumpkin waffle. Last time I came, I got their warm berry bread pudding which was delicious. It was nice because the restaurant was practically empty since most patrons are only brunching here. The service was wonderful and the dessert was the best thing I've had there, and I'm not even a big bread pudding person. It is definitely shareable and heavy. Definitely worth checking out.
(3)
Jen M.
Went there while on vacation in New York and was trying to find a place for brunch on a Monday. Only had breakfast menu not full brunch. I ordered the French toast which was good, but seemed a little steep (even by New York standards) at $15. Our waitress was horrible, though! The busboy and host were very helpful at meeting our needs and chasing her down. Overall, cute atmosphere but overcharged for what you get.
(3)
Sheri K.
I've spent x-mas in NYC for the past three years, and my new holiday tradition is to go to Sarabeth's the day or two after x-mas and have my annual bloody mary. I really have only one bloody mary a year, and this is it -- it's big, strong, vegetabl-y, and gives me a nice buzz. As for the rest of Sarabeth's brunch menu -- consistently good, sometimes outstanding, sometimes just OK. But I do look forward to the one time of the year where I start drinking before noon, and manage to get my daily serving of vegetables to boot.
(4)
Alice C.
Very cute and charming place. While visiting NYC, we came here for brunch on a weekend, the wait was pretty long but good thing we weren't starving. We were definitely starving by the time we sat down though. My friend had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. I usually don't eat pancakes, but these were great! Soft and fluffy and w/ a hint of lemon. I had the salmon eggs benedict which was equally delicious... although I was eyeing her pancakes the whole time. Come here on a weekday if you can to avoid the long wait.
(4)
Jessica O.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were excellent! So was the red omelette! My husband also enjoyed the sausages and coffee. I had the hot cocoa - which was good (but a little bit sweet).
(4)
Namrata A.
Sarabeth's is a really charming place because it makes you feel like you are at home, very Martha-Stewart ish. The wait for Sunday brunch was extremely lovely. We ordered pancakes, OJ, and almond toasted french toast with cherry cranberry sauce (delicious!!). The prices are a little bit heavy, but I think the meal probably cost my friend about $30/35. The only downer- the wait is insane and its a crowded place, but totally worth it. I will be going back.
(4)
Kendra A.
After a yummy brunch at the CPS location, we figured we'd try lunch here a couple of days later after a museum morning. The lemon zest tuna salad was really yummy, and there was plenty of it. The mister had the market veggie salad, which was a little disappointing. The food was definitely outshone by the Ladies Who Lunch. Confidential to the woman on my left: I'm sorry your hairdresser doesn't want to work anymore now that she's retired, but that's what retirement is all about. And to the woman on my right: your makeup should not be thicker than your skin. Or your coat, for freak's sake.
(4)
Jennifer H.
Other than the wait, it's a wonderful brunch place. We were able to kill some time at the stores around the restaurant, so the 40 minutes went by fast. Amble choices for breakfast and lunch items. The coffee and water were topped off continuously. Lots of groups and a few families, and the vibe was comfortable yet elegant.
(4)
Kate T.
I've only ever been here for weekend brunch, and it's always been delicious. I have no idea what the 'hype' is cited in some of the other reviews, but this place is awfully good. The eggs benedict are absolutely wonderful. The worst meal i've had here was the red omelet, with was only quite good. No one i've gone here with has ever complained about their food in the slightest. If you get there before about 10am on a weekend, the wait isn't very long at all. By about 10:15, the line is reasonably long, but it's probably still worth it. The waitstaff is always pleasant and helpful, though service can drag a little during the brunch rush. Sarabeth's is my go-to brunch venue when i'm playing hostess to out of town guests, though i may branch out and start going even when i have no visitors in tow.
(5)
Edward M.
I took my office to SaraBeths for Brunch Sunday. The tomato soup bisque was delicious as was the french toast. The seating was comfortable for our table of 6. There was a 45 Min wait in the cramped front of the restaurant. Parking was a pain but this is NY. I found a garage a block away for $20. Justin's bloody Mary was an impressive concoction!
(4)
Dottie D.
Sarabeth's was one of the best dinners I had in NYC during this trip. Not saying much in a trip full of mostly crap food but I think I would have liked it regardless. The place is cute and feels a little nicer than a lot of the other spots in this area while still feeling really comfortable. I went for dinner. I was craving a turkey burger and Sarabeth's was pretty perfect. The fries were a little cold and not salty enough but the burger was fantastic. All of the dinner entrees seemed really good and I would definitely go back for more. But, the best part was the bread basket that began the meal. My goodness - I know the place is a bakery, too but this stuff was outstanding! Multigrain rolls, miniature buttermilk biscuits, crusty miniature baguette-style bread... The bread was phenomenal. Sadly, they were out of three of the desserts that night so we didn't get to try any of it since the few that were left were not for us (I know, I know - it's hard to imagine a dessert that is 'not for me'). But, seriously, can someone please explain how NYC restaurants run out of things so frequently? I don't understand that. Maybe it's an Upper West Side phenomenon because before this trip I had never had this happen the way it consistently happened at almost every restaurant this past week. Next time I'll be staying in Brooklyn so I'll keep you all posted on that burrough's stocking issues. Until then, enjoy the bread at Sarabeth's!
(4)
Wafa Y.
It is a little pricey but their brunch is really good. A lot of people are waiting for a table, be patient. But once you have a table, the waiters are kind, their drinks tasty and the pancakes amazing ! By the way, you can not go with your stroller, you have to keep your baby on you, not very convenient to eat ...
(4)
Cheryl C.
With my deepest apologies to my brunch companion, who is most effusive in praising Sarabeth's, color me just a little disappointed. Maybe it's the hype, the long lines, the aforementioned effusive praise. Maybe it's just that I was born in the South and I have high standards for this sort of breakfast food. But I wanted my socks knocked off, and I was still wearing them at the end of the meal. The cheese blintzes have lemon in the ricotta and are served with some sort of plum-apricot (?) preserves. I'm not sure it worked. Sure, it was like rays of sunshine in my mouth. But I didn't want sunshine, I wanted cheeeeeeese blinnnnnnntzes. I don't think I even got my blintz itch scratched, because, as you can see, I'm still craving blintzes. Mmm, blintzes. With strawberries on top, not plum preserves. I also tried the pancakes and I don't understand what people find so special about them. The scones are good, but definitely resemble biscuits. This is not a bad thing, as they've got the flaky texture that says the fat was cut in perfectly (the way the biscuits I make wish they tasted). Just didn't expect my scone to taste like a biscuit. So, nothing here is bad, it just feels a little ... off ... to me. I'm not detecting greatness here. Three stars. --------------------------------------------------Â--- UPDATE: I came back here for dinner. One star. My burger was overdone and flavorless. My waitress ignored us, even though the restaurant wasn't crowded. My water glass sat empty from just after I arrived until after the food came. I couldn't even get the check; I wound up just leaving cash on the table. Awful. I know, we'd both ordered the cheapest things on the menu, but I was going to compensate with a ridiculous tip. I didn't. Not even positive how much of a tip I left, seeing as how I couldn't get the check, but I still think I left too much. I was sorry I'd brought my friend here. I'd assured him it was a well-regarded place.
(2)
Lynn C.
I was extremely disappointed with my dining experience at Sarabeth's the other day when I had a guest visiting from oversea. First of all, there were flies in the dining room. GROSS. I felt like I was eating at a street vendor stall in Asia. I had the Salmon Eggs Benedict that came with a side of salad. The Salmon Eggs Benedict itself was very bland. The sprinkled red bell pepper and chives on it didn't seem to go with it either. I would totally let it slide if it was a $10 dish, but no, it was $17. So not worth my money. Then the salad. The leaves were badly bruised and not fresh at all, not to mention the lack of taste. I didn't even know how to complain about it to the waitress as I felt dumb stating the obvious. I decided to asked for more salad dressing in the hope that would somewhat turn my salad around, but no. After I poured the salad dressing the waitress brought me 10 minutes after I asked for it (it was at 2:30pm on a Monday), it had a funny taste, which made me decide to complain. The waitress explained that was the only dressing they used for all of their salad, but she brought me a new side salad with the only other kind of dressing they used in the restaurant anyway. The second time around, it looked slightly better, but not that much. I already lost my appetite by then, so I didn't even bother finishing the salad. My friend had the Open Faced Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sandwich. The fries that came with tasted worse than the fries from McDonald's. How sad was that? And apparently her watercress apple salad was pretty bland too. I'm giving them one star for the decent lemonade and the fact that the waitress who was somewhat responsive. I have been there once a long time ago, and I remember the food being decent. I have no idea what happened, but it doesn't matter as I'm not going back any more. I don't understand why this place is so popular. Very disappointed.
(1)
Jennifer S.
Terrible wait. Lousy service and mediocre food. Thought it would be way better based on the reputation Sarabeth's has and the line outside of the restaurant. Also thought the food would taste better judging by how it looked. Well, as we know, looks can be deceiving. I recommend going to Good Enough to Eat any day over this place.
(2)
Marie C.
Sarabeth's is a consistently good & high quality neighborhood restaurant. Brunch is famous and you'll have to wait for a table on weekends. Brunch/lunch on weekdays is still lively, but generally no wait. (This place must be listed in tourist guidebooks since it's packed with out-of-towners, especially foreigners, during the week.) Lots of egg dishes, awesome lemon ricotta pancakes, great salads and sandwiches, and even a pretty good burger and fries make up the breakfast/lunch menu. Dinner & desserts are always very good too. Lemon meringue tart and chocolate pudding are spectacular! Dinner is usually much less crowded and more relaxed than the midday rush. Nice for a quiet meal. They do live jazz on Thursdays. Staff is super nice. Casual atmosphere.
(5)
Kirsten S.
The lemon ricotta pancakes are everything that people say they are-- the perfect balance between sweet and savory, the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty, and the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy (thanks to the fresh berries that come with it). All I would recommend would be to knock down the price a little and add something savory to the plate: a scrambled egg? potatoes, perhaps? Service was good, coffee was great, iced tea came in a cute mini pitcher, and if you go at 9:30 am on a gloomy weekend you might just get a seat outside without having to wait...maybe :)
(4)
Kate D.
Enjoyed the lemon ricotta pancakes and a nice pot of Earl Grey. Pricey, but hey - it's NYC.
(4)
collette s.
Disappointing and way too expensive. The food, omelette and French toast, was adequate...nothing more. In addition, it was $ 10.00 for two cups of coffee with breakfast .and the price wasn't on the menu or I wouldn't have ordered coffee.
(3)
Hiral M.
I have been going to Sarabeths for a long time and so when a few friends of mine from Paris wanted to meet up for brunch on the upper west side recently, I instantly thought of it. There is usually a line outside, and I have generally waited 30 minutes to an hour on a weekend morning. I think the Lemon Ricotta pancakes are excellent and I would also recommend having one of their J.Roget Mimosas. They bring you an already filled glass, the rest of the split and some fresh orange juice. I highly recommend this great brunch place.
(5)
Adrienne L.
Like this place needs another four-star review, but I had to this time. My party of four plus a baby was seated within 15 minutes on a Sunday morning. WHAT? Yes. After 10 a.m. They even offered to drag over a third table-for-two if we needed extra space. The plum cherry jam is the best thing you can do for yourself. I have three in my pantry ... yes, I order it online. You can't go wrong with anything on the brunch menu, but I think the almond crusted French toast is best.
(4)
Diana L.
yum yum yum! My husband had the benedict and I had the lemon ricotta pancakes. Both were delicious! Too bad they're all the way in the upper west side or I'd come here more often. I wish they would open a downtown location!
(4)
Leslie Y.
I went with a group of 9 to Sarabeth's and was quite disappointed, as I think many of the group was. Although nothing was "bad", nothing was particularly good either. I had a Mango Chicken salad that was described as including fresh mango, chicken, arugala and hearts of palm. It was the size of an appetizer, mostly plain sliced grilled chicken breast sitting on top of a tiny portion of arugala, a tablespoon of mango and one sliver (1/8 inch slice) of hearts of palm - for $15. The presentation was nice, but for a casual restaurant, the price was a joke. We waiting a LONG time to be served, basic things were forgotten and waiter needed to be called back continuously to be reminded and we all left hungry.
(2)
Lenny G.
The food was pretty good, with decent portions, but our waitress was pretty rude. Never refilled our water, took forever with everything and generally had a bad attitude. I'd rather skip out on the food than get treated like I'm an inconvenience.
(2)
Tricia S.
The breakfast was great. Definitely worth the wait (which there always is on weekends). I've heard the lemon ricotta pancakes are great, but I chose an omelette, which was awesome. I would definitely return here for brunch on a weekend. The only downside is in the winter there is nowhere to wait but outside. When the weather is warmer it's not too much of a bother to wait outside.
(4)
Bernadette N.
I really wanted to like this place. When I lived in Manhattan, I never had a chance to eat at any of the Sarabeth's. I'd always heard they were so good. If I lived on the block, I would probably go back, but since I don't, I will probably never return. Arriving at 8:30 (with a reservation) was perfect. There were only a few other tables seated. By the time we left at 9:45, there were about 4 parties waiting outside. I also learned at this hour, it's a kidzone, also perfect for us. Our little 9 month old had a load of other kids to look at and babble to. The staff could not have been nicer. Always on top of refills and constantly picking up fallen toys for us. The decor. Before we walked in I thought it was going to be French Country, once inside, it felt more like a crummy diner. A bit disappointing. The food. I really liked my potato waffles served with sour cream, apple sauce and two sausages, albiet, the sausages were overcooked and dry. My husband seemed to like his salmon benedict, but wasn't totally in love with it. My main complaint is the prices. For $30 breakfast, I feel like I should have been wowwed a little.
(3)
sasha h.
I know this place is cliche and now has many locations so less of a personal feel but i used to live nearby and was a frequent visitor so i guess i still remember it fondly. I only go for brunch which mind you is slightly on the pricier side for certain items (juice is $6 / granola is $9). Juice: Four flowers is really good -just the right amount of sweet, their other juices are fresh squeezed Sweet breakfast: Lemon and ricotta pancakes, French toast (apple cinnamon is really sweet but the regular is pretty good, very fluffy) Eggs: Salmon eggs benedict, The red omelet, Spinach and goat cheese (these are good not great) sides: Love the three pepper home fried potatoes Muffin: they give this as a side with some dishes, the pumpkin is really yummy if you like the taste of pumpkins I'd also add that sometimes it feels like the crowd has shifted to an older one so its the place i take my mom to now
(4)
Boki H.
Don't understand why this place is so popular...such a disappointment...waited so long...hostess was so rude...food was just ok....nothing impressive at all...
(2)
Jenny B.
just so so considering the hype. got an omelet and it needed salt/hot sauce. friend got pumpkin waffle which was good, had interesting sour cream/whipped topping. muffin and jam so so. salad with goat cheese and poached pear pretty tasty.
(3)
EP G.
Make a reservation for early morning hours if you don't like waiting - but it's worth the wait if you get there at 10 or later. Lots of eggs Benedict options, fluffy omelets and lemon ricotta pancakes. I had the special - crab cakes Benedict - awesome, although it was funny that they chose to put completely unnecessary English muffins under the crab cakes, which were fantastic. Still a great dish - served with mixed greens on the side, with a nice salad dressing. Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, which can be ordered with or without champagne - served on the side so you can mix it to your preferred stregnth, which I found very thoughtful. I've been to Sarabeths a few times in the past few years (east side also) and it's always clean and well kept, with pleasant, efficient service.
(5)
Alice C.
Hooray for weekday lunches! Pros: No wait (though we did have reservations) and relatively friendly and attentive staff. Cons: I got sick from eating a salad, which is really not fun when you are walking around the city for the rest of the day. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say, I wish NY were more like Paris with it's very civilized and convenient coin-operated potties. Even though my salmon salad looked fresh, I guess it really wasn't. One friend got a chicken salad, which she said was kind of "meh," and another got the ricotta pancakes, which I had a bite of and found quite tasty. Will I risk getting sick again by eating here? I dunno ...
(2)
Jen R.
I always love every Sarabeth's I go to. This is no exception. I recommend ordering a mimosa (they have multiple flavors) and the eggs benedict. They are the fluffiest poached eggs you'll ever eat. I promise! The omelets are also fabulous. It is a must try in NYC!
(5)
Morgan P.
I heart, heart , heart this restaurant. I've only been here during brunch but i definitely recommend making a reservation via open table if you don't want to wait a while for a table on the weekend. The food is to die for. The homemade bread and muffins are delish. I had to buy some of their jam to bring home. Makes you want to like the knife afterwards. The chicken sausage is also very good. The Red Omelet and the Ricotta pancakes are a must have. The price will make you do a double take, but once you taste them, you'll forget you just ate $15 eggs until you get the bill. Eh, you only live once.
(4)
Becca Z.
Good but not great. We went at 9AM on Saturday, so it was pleasantly full but not crowded. I think it was just too much hype. The pumpkin muffin was good, but it all seemed a bit lacking. The potato waffles were bland. The bloody mary was awful, and cost about $17. The red omelet got the best reviews at the table - but if I want juevos rancheros, I'll go elsewhere. I probably won't return - only if I was already in the neighborhood.
(3)
Nathan S.
Massively overpriced. Extremely touristy. Feels like a restaurant in Orlando. Uninventive menu with poor execution. In my book, a place to avoid.
(2)
Sebastian K.
Super expensive for what you get. $4 for an awful machine-coffee? Really?? $16-18 pancakes? We order savory, the eggs and omelettes but to be honest I don't remember anything about it. It's the perfect way to describe it. You won't remember your food at Sarabeth, so order a lot of mimosas or bloody Mary's to have a good time and don't expect to have a good meal. Savorless and expeeeeeensive
(2)
Huong V.
A quaint neighborhood spot in the UWS with outdoor seating. Good food, good service and nothing beats just sitting out and enjoying fresh air and people watching when the night is warm. We ordered: 1. Crab spaghetti: delicious. I don't normally like seafood with too much tomato sauce (prefer cream), but there's wasn't too acidic. The crab was fresh and they weren't cheap on the quantity either! 2. Lemon ricotta pancake: decent. Wasn't exciting, but hits the spot. 3. Four Flowers Juice: this is super yummy and fresh! It's almost like a smoothie without the thickness.
(4)
Jacky P.
Sarabeth's West is the worse brunch restaurant I have ever been in New York City. Their manager and waitress have the worse service attitude I have never seen. I wouldn't go there again even if they offer their food for free. I haven't made any bad comments in any of the restaurants thru Yelp and Sarebeth' West is the first one and you can imagine how bad they are!!
(1)
Joanna V.
I know this is an NYC institution but I really wasn't all that impressed. My friends and I went for brunch and I ordered the frittata with asparagus and gruyere cheese. It was over cooked and a little flavorless. Some of the other omelettes my friends ordered were a bit better but pretty average. The scone I got with my omelette was pretty good and of course, the preserves served with it were delicious. The mimosas were good but that's kind of hard to mess up. This isn't a bad option for brunch but it's not the best brunch I've ever had.
(3)
Jamie F.
We've always walked by this place and never went in because the prices are not conducive to our lifestyle. Given that it was my boyfriends birthday, we made the exception and went ahead for brunch. It was nice that brunch was offered even during the week, as we both work weekends, and going out for a boozy brunch isnt something we ever get to do. We didn't make a reservation, and were lucky to get a table with no wait. I know this place is notorious for having a line out the door, and a wait for a table. Birthday luck was in our favor. The tables are very close together. So if you're looking for something intimate and quiet, this is not the place. However, thats New York. Tables cozy together, and an active atmosphere. The prices are really the only thing that have kept us away. We're not penny pinchers, but then again, we're not rollin in it either. So $24 entrees per person are usually something we avoid. Especially since we know of much more affordable places. We got the banana, orange fruit mimosas. I wasn't expecting them to bring the small split bottle of champagne and a refill of the juice with it! So for $12, it was worth it. We also ordered a basket of the muffins and jams, however, I wish it was written on the menu, or mentioned, that they arent mini muffins, they are full sized muffins. Between two people, it was a lot of bread. A croissant, and five muffins? We boxed up most of them and brought them home, with a refill of the delicious jams (thank you!). For our entrees, I got the Almond Crusted French Toast, that came with strawberry sauce and thinly sliced almonds. I got four pieces of toast and it was more then enough. My boyfriend got the Fat and Fluffy French Toast that came with fresh strawberries and bananas on top. It really lived up to the name... fat and fluffy. We also shared an order of the three pepper hash browns. The food was delicious, the drinks were awesome (I mean, with a whole split bottle, you can make it as strong as you want, and you get the whole thing for yourself. Kinda hard to mess up). The only reason this place doesn't get a full 5 star rating for me are the little things. We had some empty plates hang around our table for awhile, some sugar wrappers from our coffees that didn't get cleaned off and the prices just make it unrealistic for us to visit on the regular. Service was great, and attentive, and fast. I did feel slightly rushed having the bread basket brought out then the food shortly after, but like I said, we never would have finished the whole basket anyways. Our bill was $90 for the two of us. Again, two mimosas, two coffees, a basket of muffins and two entrees. We'll go again, but save it for a special occasion. Unless you're willing to spend over $100 on just breakfast for two.
(4)
debra p.
I had always heard about how great Sarabeth's was but never actually went. Well, it worked out that very early Sunday morning my boyfriend and I grabbed the paper and had the most wonderful breakfast. The coffee was amazing (and a bit strong which we love) and the omelettes were simple but outstanding. It just goes to show that using incredibly fresh local products really does make a world of difference. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jen N.
A nice, little brunch spot located in Upper West Side! A friend and I made reservations online for brunch this past Friday. The restaurant was pretty full but there were still a couple tables open. There were also a few tables out on the patio but of course they were already taken because of the gorgeous weather this past weekend. I ended up ordering the Popeye Eggs and it was fantastic. Popeye Eggs included scrambled eggs, ham, and sauteed spinach topped on an english muffin. It seemed like there were at least 4 eggs scrambled because it definitely was a lot of food. The english muffin was amazing! Sarabeth's english muffin seemed more like a thick slice of loaf bread rather than the kind you normally find in the grocery store. It was crusty, buttery, and so tasty. I also ordered a pumpkin muffin on the side because, frankly, it's now fall and I will happily eat pumpkin everything! It was served with butter and their delicious preserves. The pumpkin muffin was just as I had hoped for.
(4)
Patrick S.
Nice breakfast spot, but I was a little let down on my visit. Sarabeth's is a little plain Jane. Perhaps I was not adventurous enough in my ordering. Will give them another try when I'm in town.
(3)
Brittany R.
Went here for my birthday brunch. It has a southern charm to it, or maybe an old school catskills country club charm. I'm not sure which, but it was cute and cozy. I had a seat in the back, I probably wouldn't have been so charmed by everything if i had sat in the front. it was crowded! and there is no waiting area besides in the front in between the tables. not the best set up. my friend had a fancy eggs benedict and i had french toast. we both enjoyed our food. we both had mimosas...hers was plain and i had the four flowers. I liked that one order was basically two mimosas. The four flowers was too thick though, I would have preferred a bellini (not on their menu). I bought two jars of jelly. Opened them about a week after i bought them. They were chunky but not bad and i thought they would go great in some cookies. I opened the jars again about a month later to use them in cookies - they had been fully sealed and in my refrigerator. The first one i opened was moldy. White fuzz. ick! i threw them both out.
(3)
Elizabeth L.
Sarabeth's is more of a "Seen and Be Seen" type place, but when all is said and done, it serves a good brunch and the jams are delicious. For those with sweet tooth-s, like me, I recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes. Very tasty, with just the right hint of lemon. The pumpkin waffle, on the other hand, didn't taste anything like pumpkin and reminded me of the waffles I used to make back in my college days in the cafeteria.
(3)
Christine C.
Loved the four flowers juice! Perfect for the beginning of a day. Went here for brunch and had the gardens omelett. It was delicious! Would come back again and try others. It was a Saturday - make sure you have reservations or get there early! The line is super long if not.
(5)
Lam N.
I'm not sure why such a cozy, homey looking place feels so sterile and unfriendly inside. It might be the service, which wasn't terrible, but didn't really seem to want to be there. I ordered the Farmer's Omelette, which sounds awesome but it felt more like Farmer's leftovers thrown in with some unseasoned eggs. My gf ordered the "fat and fluffy french toast," which may have been fat at one point, but were now just sadly bulimic and were fluffy much in the way that bricks are. If i'm paying over $45 for a breakfast, I expect something more than uninspired, overcooked eggs and stale french toast. Can't think of a single reason to go back to Sarablehs.
(2)
Elana D.
So I know this is Manhattan and that things are expensive, but $25 dollars for some pancakes and coffee! Holy Cow! I mean that might be okay if I got something other then just the lemon ricotta pancakes (which were delicious to their credit) but that's all you get! The serving was enough. The coffee was good but I had to ask for it to be refilled and wait forever just to even get it. The service was pretty bad and I went later in the day on a Thursday and it was not busy. I am sure there are some better places to spend a quarter of your benjamin in manhattan!
(3)
Myah T.
Went here this past weekend with a girlfriend and we both loved it! Drinks: The pickled blood marys were extremely tasty and only $5 for a huge goblet - maybe a little light on the liquor content, but the huge size of the drink made up for it. My friend had the four flowers fresh fruit juice and she was happy! You can tell they only used high quality fresh fruits. Brunch: I got their famous lemon and ricotta pancakes which totally lived up to everyone's reviews! They were AMAZING! Nice delicate lemon curd ricotta flavor, perfect pancake consistency, thickness and size. They aren't those typical oversized, overly bready types of pancakes. Whenever I order pancakes, I rarely finish them all, but these were gone in a jiffy! Also had a side of bacon for $7, over priced, but I needed some protein with my pancakes :) Bacon was good- nothing too out of the ordinary. My friend got their potato waffles which were also a hit! Not quite on the same level as the lemon ricotta pancakes, but delish nonetheless. The sausage that came with were great! very farm fresh taste and everything was well cooked. Got the raspberry bread pudding to go and heated it up in the microwave when I got home. totally yummy!!! I would definitely hit up this place again.
(4)
Daisy J.
WAY OVERRATED Waited 45 minutes, had red omelette, food is way overpriced and nothing distinguishable. Also they have a sanitation score of B, which is nothing to be proud of. It seems like a tourist destination... I think locals would know of better places
(2)
Mitchell J.
Great place to meet rich grandmas. Overpriced food. Good muffins. Very stuffy.
(2)
Nick W.
Two words: crabcake benedict. Never fail to be wowed by my brunch here. Food may be pricey for brunch, but it is well worth it for an occasional treat. Classy decor and upscale ambience lend themselves to being a great place to take parents and friends from out of town. Kids? Maybe not so much, although there always seem to be a few tables with very well-dressed children.
(4)
David L.
Oh I'm such a fantabulous trainwreck. I'd do me. Only a stone-throw from my new apartment, it almost pains me to say it but I just don't think this place is for me -- I mean, come on people, it's Tuesday at 9am and I'm hungover, why are you all smiling, why are you all wearing the same clothes, why do you all have the same stroller -- seriously, get out of my face. I'm asked: "Would you like to sit outside?" Absolutely not, no way, no thank you -- all those buses and taxis and pedestrians -- why do they even call it Al Fresco, what's "fresh" about exhaust fumes and dog urine and cigarette smoke... I'm here for peace and quiet -- and a gallon of water, please. Last night, on the enormous terrace of my brand new incredibly beautiful penthouse (don't worry, it's only temporary), I got fantastically drunk with two prominent celebrities, maybe you've heard of them: Grappa and Syrahh, they're kind of a big deal, we're kinda besties... Oh yeah, and one of the stars from Ugly Betty was there, too -- we talked about French organ music and Dallas' amazing Meyerson Symphony Center... So, anyway. Stumbling into my seat, I already knew what I was having -- a soft (meaning slightly runny) omelette with smoked salmon and cream cheese with chives and sourdough toast with butter and blackberry preserves -- plus a side order of sauteed spinach... My thoughts on the food: the eggs weren't "soft" at all, the salmon was slightly too salty, the toast was just okay, there was only one tiny chive, I loved how they folded the cream cheese into the eggs, and the spinach was great. Some guy complimented me on my shirt -- I had to look down to see what he was even talking about, I honestly forgot what I was wearing -- apparently I'm a baseball fan or something. The waitress was incredibly sweet and attentive, but not at all obnoxious -- it's an extremely fine line... The bus-boys were a little too formal and affected, in my opinion, but perhaps that's what everybody else expects them to be. As I staggered out -- right foot, left foot, breathe in, breathe out -- come on, ol' boy, you can do it -- I was given a few sweet sincere salutations. I'll be back at some point, I suppose, why the heck not... But I really wish they served things like corned-beef hash or biscuits and gravy or chicken-fried steak -- that's what all the old people (one of which I am not, thank you very much) really want, anyhow, and, let's face it, this neighborhood is sort of like an old folk's home.
(3)
Vina A.
Walking into SBW is like stepping into a Martha Stewart magazine, which is cute and cozy if you don't think about it and adds a nice backdrop to the reliably tasty and satisfying breakfast foods. The jams are amazing on everything. Farmer's omelet was beautifully made with gooey Gruyere, leek, potato and bacon bits and came with a good scone with jam and butter. The maple syrup really brought out the pumpkin in the pumpkin waffles.
(3)
David Y.
Very good food here. Came on a Sun morning and line was out the door. Got a seat after a 15 min wait. Table was not great since it was a small one near the front and the line of people waiting was on top of us. Food was terrific. I had the Crispy Potato Waffle with Pork Sausage (I subbed it instead of the Chicken Sausage). It was the best sausage I've ever had. The potato waffle was very tasty with the syrup and chunky applesauce. My wife was a big fan of the lemon ricotta pancakes which went well with the fresh fruit. She also had a mimosa which was very good. Portions were not huge, but just right to satisfy without stuffing yourself.
(4)
Eric Y.
I spent my years in NYC not bing able to try out one of new york's premier brunch spots. Sarabeth's. Virtually every New Yorker has eaten at this great institutions once in their life. I must admit I have always wanted to come here and finally try Sarabeth but always another trendy brunch place pops up and having brunch here always got pushed to the back burner. Until finally I had no other excuse. A good friend bought us a gift certificate to eat here. So finally we got up one Sunday morning and made the trek here to the upper west side to give Sarabeth a try. I am glad we did... When we got there the wait was appx. 30min. We essentially waited 10 min to be seated. The menu was loaded with an array of freshly squeezed juices and yummy muffins. I decided on a freshly squeezed cocktail. Looking at the table next to ours... To my delight i saw these lovely pancakes stacked high as a organic chemistry book drizzled with maple syrup and came with a side of hash and huge strips of juicy bacon. I couldn't say no. So I settled on the pancakes. Pancakes were sweet and savory. Just as I expected. the pancakes were stacked and fluffy huge strip of bacon and the organic juices hit the spot.
(4)
Asha C.
Had a less than stellar experience last night. In fact, it was very below average. Came in around 8:15pm where my two friends were already seated and had placed our orders. The place wasn't crowded. We waited, and waited and finally asked about our appetizers, fried oysters and tomato soup, around 8:40pm. It came out around 8 minutes later and the oysters were cold. However, it was late and we were hungry, so we ate it. Mistake on our part. We finished our appetizers and then at around 9:05 our meal came out. Was really hoping for a spectacular main course of shrimp pasta. It was horrible. The pasta was undercooked and the shrimp was overcooked and everything tasted like frozen peas. Sad. Wish we would have spoken to the manager, because it really wasn't good. We packed up our dessert to go and when I went to enjoy it, I bit into part of a peach pit. So, that was that. I really wanted to like Sarahbeth's because I hear their brunch is amazing. However, I don't want to imagine what it's like on a crowded weekend morning, where it is a full house, and a lot of orders are coming in and out. This whole experience would be one star, but our waitress was a sweetie. So cheers to that!
(2)
Jennifer K.
My family and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast here today. The French toast is perfect. Fluffy challah and fresh fruit. Yum! And we ordered 4 different omelets and home fries. Everything was delicious. Just be warned that it's pricey. I have never been charged $8 for a glass of orange juice until now.
(4)
Mahsa T.
Basic brunch served right. No frills and no fancy dishes, just your run of the mill brunch items. I had an excellent server, she was friendly and made me feel really welcome since I was dining alone. I ordered the GOLDIE LOX (scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese), which came with a choice of muffin and I got the blueberry corn muffin - delicious. Good portion, so at least I was full considering the $17 price. I also ordered orange juice and coffee (both good) and got to enjoy an outdoor seat since I came on a weekday. Though I wish they would fix the uneven flooring on their outside seating area. I felt like the things on my table were going to fall off every time a bus boy walked by. I imagine it gets packed on the weekends, so try to come here off-peak. Overall, good experience.
(4)
Joy Y.
Restaurant Week lunch. All dishes have big portions and huge flavors. Both the gazpacho and quinoa bowl were surprisingly spicy. The seafood stew was hearty and delicious. Desserts are supposedly their strong suit, but for me highlight of the dessert options were the grilled peaches in the shortbread, and all other components were just too sweet. Overall the $25 meal was a good deal, and service was casual but prompt. Crowd at lunch hour was mostly neighborhood's tweens grabbing late breakfast. The menu has options for everyone and the cooking is always consistent and reliable.
(4)
Jeff S.
On the few occasions when I've eaten here I'm reminded of why most restaurants close after 1-2 years. There is just nothing terribly special....food is dull and predictable, seating is uncomfortable and service is aloof to poor. Felt as though we were intruding on much more important matters for the staff than the customers at hand. The bathrooms are a fright, not clean, wastebins are too tall for the counter heights and uncovered, used towels are scattered around the room, drains were sluggish and the seats don't stay up because the floor is not level. I found the check to be particularly obnoxious.... showing calculated lines for 20, 25 and 30% gratuity.....honestly... ....
(2)
Orinda K.
I loved going to Sarabeth's. They have a few locations in the city and this is the first and only one I've been to so far! I was quite impressed. Got here at around 11am on a Sunday. No reservations but we got sitted within ten minutes. Service was fantastic. Our waiter was attentive, helpful, and nice. He did an amazing job. The food was GREAT! Loved the fat and fluffy French toast! It was magnificent. My favorite French toast in the city by far - and I will definitely be visiting again to order it! Absolutely loved it. I would skip the buttermilk pancakes as they were sort of bland. Bloody Mary's were on point and absolutely recommend having one! A little on the spicy side but great blend! Ambience was great. The crowd was varied. The restaurant is simple but pleasant to be in. Loved it! Thanks for a great experience!! A little on the pricey side but Sunday brunch always ends up adding up! :)
(4)
Joyce Q.
I'm so glad I chose this spot to have my birthday brunch! The place is actually bigger than I thought and was super busy. The wait was about 20 minutes, which is surprisingly short for a weekend. We were seated very, very close to the people next to us, that it was pretty uncomfortable for both us and the party next to us, but I forgot about it as time went on. I ordered the Salmon Eggs Benedict served on an English Muffin, my friend ordered the same but on a Croissant and my other friend ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon served on a Croissant. They both really enjoyed the croissant, which really made me regret my decision to have mine served on an English muffin, but it was still very good. I've had many Eggs Benedicts before and I have to say, this dish is one of my top favorites. It has a very light, clean taste that left me very satisfied and not too full, even though I only ate half. We also ordered the Grapefruit Mimosas to complete our boozy brunch, which I highly recommend! I'm not a fan of alcohol but this drink was very tasty and I found myself constantly going for a sip. The staff was also friendly and the waiter even cracked a few jokes with us. A great place for brunch in the city!
(5)
Christina L.
Came here for my birthday. I made a reservation in advance for a party ~10. It was a Tuesday night so it was pretty much empty. The service was great and they sat us right away even though people trickled in after the reservation time. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, which was very bland. The lobster was good, and the mac and cheese was good, but together they didn't really compliment each other. Tried my friend lamb shank dish, which was amazing and a very big portion! Would highly recommend getting that!! Overall a decent experience, but I don't think I'd go again for dinner.
(3)
Molly T.
I came here on a Saturday afternoon around 3 for brunch. Because it was 3, my dining companion and I were both starving, so we were overjoyed to find that open tables were plentiful at that hour. One note: I am not a seasoned brunch-goer in the city, so my bar is not set too high. Though I dine out often, I lack sbustantial brunch experiences to compare this one to, so keep that in mind when reading this. Service: Excellent. If it was less than excellent, I would've given this place 2 stars. The restaurant was pretty empty, so I would've had a short fuse for inattentiveness. Water was refilled quickly and our food came out shockingly fast. And quality was not sacrified for speed, as you will see if you read on... Food: Two thumbs up here. I've been to the Central Park South location so I wasn't surprised in this regard. My dining companion ordered the Four Flowers Juice to start and loved it. I'm not a huge juice person, but when someone has a reaction like that to a drink/food, I can't stop my inner mooch from coming out. And wow, that drink was pure tropical paradise. Orange, fresh pineapple, banana and pomegranate juice combined to perfection. And just the right amount of pulp. The only downside of the juice was that it reminded us that we soon needed to face the bitter tundra that is New York City in February as opposed to an island wonderland far, far away. To eat, I ordered the Garden Omelette (broccoli, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, Vermont cheddar) and my dining companion ordered the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict (crab cakes, hollandaise, peppers, chives). Very, very tasty. The omelette was a bit greasy for my liking (at the Sarabeth's on CPW South there was not a trace of grease to be seen on my eggs) but they were otherwise wonderul. Solid four stars for the food. Overall, I'm giving this four stars because a) I am well aware that there is better brunch out there, b) i have seen far more creative brunch menus in my lifetime and c) this wasn't overwhelmingly, lip-smackingly delightful. Just very good.
(4)
Elisa L.
It is pricey for brunch but the food was good and I like how they make their own jams. The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing!! We bought one of the jams to take home, since we've never seen a blood orange marmalade before. Even though it is packed, they seat people in a reasonable amount of time. I would also recommend getting the Four flowers juice- we both loved it! The only con was the slow service. The tables next to us were served so quickly and before us, even though we were seated first.
(4)
Gauri W.
tbh I like this place because it feels just so NY. The food is good, fresh, and well-made but nothing to blow you away. I went for brunch - after the line at Jacob's pickles turned out to be too long - and was not disappointed. The coffee and scone stole the show. What is their jam?! I want to bathe in it. The omelette is fine, but for almost 20$ I expect it to come with more - so I'd say this place is pricier than necessary. However it feels very classy and old-NY style, as if SJP and her gang would laugh about sex at the table next to yours. Would go again.
(4)
Jonathan H.
Very nice. I ordered the classic eggs Benedict and wasn't disappointed. Little lacking in flavor for my taste, but the presentation was on point.
(4)
Gloria H.
After my first experience at their Central Park South location, I've been DYING to go back. Alas, I am the most impatient person ever, so I could never bring myself to go. I mean, my first time was in the middle of a SNOWSTORM and we had to wait an hour for a table for three at brunch. Then I heard that they have another location up uptown with a less-than-ridiculous wait time, I knew I had to go. We came here during brunch and waited 0 minutes for a table for three. They offered the same brunch menu which made me very happy (I'm in love with the Goldie Lox omelette- or anything salmon...along with their baked goods and preserves) The staff was super friendly and the decor was very clean. It wasn't as upscale looking as the CPS location but that was a huge plus. It was more comfortable here to me. They also had outdoor seating which looked nice- but it was a hot day. I'm so glad we came here- now I can get my Sarabeth fix without waiting an hour!
(4)
Lee T.
The food is 4 stars while the service (host/hostess) is 2 stars. The front desk is not on top of seating and overall provided a subpar experience from the get go. Food is great though. Lemon ricotta pancakes and crab cake eggs benedict were scrumptious. Come here if there is no wait OR if you have an awesome gf to keep you positive, otherwise it is not worth your time
After many years of having preserves and pastries from this place, I finally stepped foot into one of their locations to actually dine in for a change. My friend and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and we were expecting ridiculously long wait times, but we only had to wait for about 20-30 minutes. Not too bad for peak basic people dining times. Once seated, my friend and I decided to share a basket of their muffins and get separate egg dishes. I had their green and white eggs, which were really fluffy and delicious. My friend got the goldie lox, and she loved them as well. The muffins were also good, as I had anticipated, though they weren't new as I've had them before. Might not have been a good idea to split a basket between just the 2 of us, but at least we go to try them out! Service was pretty swift, though I was my server would've come by to refill my coffee mug more often. Nevertheless, a fine dining experience with great food to boot. Oh yeah, I also saw Jason Alexander on the way in here. Had I had more time, I probably would've said "Cooo-stanza!" to him.
(4)
Feliz M.
We went for dinner. We were given brunch menus. We ordered drinks after taking our order come back saying that they didn't have any of them. We should of left then but like idiots we order food. ( we were hungry ):( The salads came unappealing, cold chicken, like just out of the freezer and bland, not flavor at all. And expensive even for NY. Save your money and your time. Go down the street to Oaxaca for tacos !!!
(2)
Elle C.
I came here on a Saturday with a couple of friends. We got there at around 11AM and ended up waiting for around 15-20 minutes. I got the Fat & Fluffy French Toast, which was decent, but I expected it to be better given the price level ($18.50). But the portion was quite generous - I was full even before finishing half the dish! They refill the coffee for free too, which was nice. Overall, I would say the quality of the brunch here is above average, but not spectacular. It is definitely on the more expensive side, even when compared with other brunch places nearby. But the upside is that the wait time is reasonable even at its peak, so I would say it's still a decent place to visit with a small group of people over the weekend.
(3)
Liz O.
Going to Sarabeth's is a big to-do. I often have my upper west side celebrity sightings here. Much more of a fancy brunch spot than a hangover cure brunch spot. The wait can be long and they don't ever do reservations. This would be fine but there really isn't enough space to wait. There's a small walkway entrance and that's it. When the weather is comfortable, it can be fine to wait out on the street. But when it's extremely cold or hot, you want to be inside to combat the temperature and there really isn't anywhere for you to go. The waiters squeeze by you like you're in the way, and it just feels bad. Plus, if you have a table right by the door (there are many of them) then you're getting a blast of the temperature outside each time a new party comes in. Always try to sit in the back! The food is consistently good. Make sure you go hungry because the portions are filling and rich. The mimosas are great and the 4 Flower one is unbelievably. I'm sure you could just get the juice without the champagne and be equally as satsified. So good! I often get the eggs benedict, which is great. Their homefries are more like oven-baked potatoes with green peppers--very tasty. We always order a second portion for the table. Last time I went I got the seafood cobb salad off the lunch menu and it was amazing. The right amount of filling, lots of protein and veggies. Win win. Also, as I often pay attention to bathrooms, Sarabeth's has 2 nice, spacious ones downstairs. They have ample waiting space down there, if only they also had that kind of space upstairs this place would be 5 stars in my book.
(4)
Marlene D.
Nice venue, decorated in a Hamptons kinda way, I don't know how else to describe it. I love the four blossom juice. Do not leave without ordering one!!! They have good pancakes here. Service is timely and friendly. I had the banana buttermilk pancakes last time, minus the strawberries and they were good. I also had a goat cheese and spinach omelette which was decent. I don't know why, but I keep finding myself going back to this place, so I guess that makes me a fan. : )
(4)
Macey M.
Yum! This little nugget was recommended and our tummys were happy we followed! I even ordered two breakfast plates! French toast with bananas and strawberries Classic eggs Benedict Granola with fruit Side of bacon
(4)
Tom N.
We went here for breakfast midweek in search of a "traditional" breakfast (perspective: bacon and eggs) rather than bagels/sandwiches which is a pretty common fare in Manhattan it seems. The food was really quite good though on the pricier side given the portion sizes but very tasty. Service was exceptional but the coffee was rubbish and $4 for a cup of drip? Nice enough place to bring a date/family.
(3)
Liz B.
We had an awful experience at Sarabeth's this weekend. My family was in town and unfortunately we wasted our time here. Overall, we had terrible service. Long waits to sit, to be greeted by a waitress, to receive plates. They even 'ran out of OJ' during brunch (however as we were leaving we saw guests being served glasses). Not worth it at all. Overpriced and all around bad experience.
(1)
Me F.
The eggs Benedict was good, simple, and tasty. However, unfortunately it's over price. The eggs Benedict were $18.50. Therefore, I rated it 3 stars.
(3)
Evan S.
It costs around 20 dollars for Eggs Benedict here, so I expected a mouth explosion. Not only was the dish mostly tasteless but the yolks were rock hard. My wife's dish was the same. Our waitress was sweet but we almost never saw her, it took about 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee and another 10 to get our bill after we ate. We won't be back.
(1)
Roxy I.
We went to Sarabeth's West for Sunday brunch around 12:30pm. The place was very crowded and we had to wait 30-40 mins. After we got our seats, we had to wait another 10 mins until we got water and coffee. The signature fruit mimosa was an amazing drink and they even gave us leftover champagne to refill. Fat and fruity french toast was also big and tasty- perfect brunch menu. The only problem is that they took forever to do anything. We had to wait for seats, coffee, to order, to receive food, and for a check. Waiters are friendly, but they can be a little more attentive and quicker. Also, a little overpriced.
(3)
Victoria V.
Great seafood Cobb and tomato soup! The service was a little slow but the wait staff was very helpful and sweet. Cannot wait to come again! Also- the brunch is amazing!!
(4)
Cristina G.
I love the coffee , the cookies and the patisserie from this place , the jam was incredible . Nice place to have a coffee .
(4)
Himelda M.
We arrived at 11:20 and stood on line like everyone else. We were a group of 5 people. At 12:15 we were still waiting. But 3 groups of five people who were behind us on line had been seated. We asked the host why we were still waiting. She was annoyed that we asked. She said the others were ahead in the list she had on the computer. We asked how they could be ahead if they had arrived later. She had no answer of course but continued to be very annoyed. Her name is Erzea. The food was OK, nothing special. The level of noise high. the service slow. Next time we will go back to Matin, a block away, with wonderful food and great service.
(2)
Terry K.
I've been coming here for awhile now. The food is consistent and good. The atmosphere is a usual Manhattan bistro style. They have a good menu. The service is hit or miss with my experiences. This all depends on what day and time you go there. But everyone is friendly and they try to do their best. Overall I will keep coming here.
(5)
Guin T.
Just walking by on our way to the Historical Society and stopped in because it gave off a good vibe. We came in during the "late lunch" time and I was very pleased to see brunch as an offering. I had the goat cheese and spinach omelet and my husband had the rib hash. Mine was solid, but he definitely won lunch - so interesting and flavorful. The marmalade was so yummy, and we ordered English muffins along with the corn blueberry muffins (also so good, with actual blueberries, not dehydrated bits). Service was fine and attentive. It's definitely going on our list; I'd like to try it for actual brunch!
(4)
Esther C.
Came here on a Tuesday night so it was rather empty. For starters, I had the yellowfin tuna tartare. It was quite yummy and served on top of a tortilla chip. I think I tasted some mayo in it, but not completely sure. For entree, I had the salmon. It was very delicious, had a nice char, and was borderline melt in your mouth. I think if I had it a tad more rare (I ordered medium), it would have melted in my mouth. The sauce was quite nice as well and went well with the fish and potatoes. I sampled the Lobster Mac & Cheese from my friend's plate and it was underwhelming. The lobster was good, but the mac & cheese was rather average. Take away a star because I had called to ask about bringing a cake to the establishment. There's a $10 cake cutting charge and the person on the phone did not seem to know the answer, so I was put on hold a few times.
(4)
Brooklyn R.
This place is delicious and they actually have a kids menu which for some reason we always find difficult around the city. Waitstaff was very pleasant as well.
(5)
Rose M.
The food was good. Delicious, prepared with care, full of flavor. Lemon ricotta pancakes were a dream. But it's pricy. They charge 4.50$ for a glass of milk. You can buy, like, a gallon of milk for the price I stupidly payed to drink one singular cup of milk. Like, by all means, enjoy the food here - the muffins and fruit preserves, the tasty sausage - but just ready your wallet. Steel yourself. Also: the farmer's omelette is really good. Such a fluffy, full taste. Highly recommended.
(3)
Fara A.
Great food. Four flowers drink was delicious!
(4)
Adamilka D.
Me and two of my friends wanted something different for brunch on sunday 1/19/14 and i found this spot on google. The reviews got our attention so we said "hell lets go for something new. OMG what an amazing experience. Great food and great service. But the bill tho. We were not ready for that $163 for breakfast. I got 4 silver dollar plain pancakes for $18 and two eggs for $7.50 with a juice $8. #WTF .... Some girl stopped by and asked me if i wanted coffee so i said yeah thinking that cup of coffee was not gonna be $5. Sarabeth sweetie are you outta your god damn mind?? I do recomend the place dont get me wrong. Just be ready for the tiny spot with a long line and a 40mnts wait. Doesnt matter your party size. I WONT be back. Thats for sure. Unless the bill falls on someone esles pocket. :)
(4)
Natalie C.
Really enjoyed this place! Went here on a rainy Saturday am. Wait was 10-15 mins and they were totally accurate. Place was clean, friendly and pretty. Felt comfortable and enjoyed my meal in a cozy small booth. Was a great breakfast with a great wait staff. Would totally recommend!!
(4)
Nicole L.
Not bad, and very friendly service, but it is quite expensive for the portion sizes. That being said, everything was cooked well, which can be difficult. It is also a bit small for those of us with kids (and strollers). The potato waffles were good (different, and I like the idea of sour cream on the side to help add a tang to the dish). The lemon ricotta cheese pancakes weren't really worth the money. It just tasted like regular pancakes with a hint of lemon. However, the pancakes were fluffy, and well cooked. The apple breakfast sausage was definitely nothing special, and the apple chutney they covered the sausage in didn't seem to mix very well. That being said, while we weren't impressed by the food, my son ate everything in sight and kept asking for more. For that alone, this place was upgraded from 2 stars (because of the price to value ratio) to 3 stars. Would I come back? Probably not, for the price (It ended up being about $70 for two breakfast dishes, one side of sausage, and one side of homefries). But I had a good time, and more importantly, so did my little one. -------------------------- Just a note to the IDIOT server... when the parent tells the server: "don't put the hot plate on the table in front of the kid," and removes that plate to another section of the table, that is NOT code for... put another hot plate in the now empty spot... When this kept happening (4 times since we had 4 plates come out), we were really pissed. I couldn't tell if the server was just lazy and didn't want to move to another section of the table to put the dishes down, or if he just didn't understand English, but, come on, use common sense man!
(3)
Joya J.
Went here for brunch. It was pretty crowded, but they were able to get our party seated within a timely manner given the crowd. The prices were slightly higher than I'd expected, but the food was better than I could've imagined! I ordered the lemon & ricotta pancakes which were incredible. I will definitely be going back to get them again. We were all very satisfied with our meals despite the pricey menu.
(4)
Joshua M.
It was a refreshing change to all other restaurants with a bright and airy atmosphere. The only fault is that they ran out of some main entrees and almost all of their desserts.
(4)
shana l.
Really good brunch spot. Came here with the fam for a late brunch. We actually got lucky and didn't have to wait. To start my sister and I had the four flowers juice which was absolutely delicious and very fresh. I had to tell her to slow down! The glass they serve it in is quite large which is appropriate for $6.50 per glass. I had the Goldie Lox which is scrambled eggs lox and cream cheese mixed in. It also came with a muffin or bread of choice. I chose a corn muffin and it came with jam. Yum!! Dad had the seafood Cobb salad which he really enjoyed. I can't wait to come back and try all of the other delicious sounding foods on the menu, especially the lemon ricotta pancakes that I've heard such great things about. 4.5 stars
(4)
Chad S.
A close friend of mine was RAVING about having brunch at Sarabeth's the day after we ran the NYC Marathon so we did. Bleh. The spot is cute, in a great spot in the Upper West Side. However, service is mediocre and I could have sworn the potatoes in my corn hash had been frozen. The muffin was pretty good but that and the fruit preserves were the only saving graces. While dining, we even spotted TV star Ron Rifkin (Alias, Brothers & Sisters) who sat next to us with his wife. They both ALSO complained about the blandness of the food and lack of prompt service. I don't think I nor Ron will eat there again.
(2)
Tiger L.
I've always wanted to like Bloody Marys... And finally I do! Super satisfying and spicy (you can ask them to cut it with more tomato juice).
(5)
Abhi M.
I had the Popeyes omelet. Eggs usually never blow me away but these eggs were mad goood. The English muffin is home made and extremely good. The home made jam is excellent too. The only down side is the wait but all in all, it's total worth it. By far the best brunch I've had in the city. Gonna come back very often.
(5)
Anthony P.
Food was excellent but a little pricey but worth it. The apple cinnamon French toast was the best.
(5)
Abbey V.
What a wonderful breakfast. There is a little bit of a line on the weekends, should you not have a reservation. Without a reservation, a wait for two took us no longer than 20 mins to be seated. My husband had a smoked salmon scramble and I the crab cake (not much of a typical breakfast food person). Both were wonderful, and I look forward to returning soon.
(4)
Rev. Deborah J.
Sarabeth's dinner menu was a disappointment, and so was their food. I would have given them 1 star, but they earned a star for friendly service.
(2)
Rahim R.
I wanted to give it 4 1/2 stars. Let me begin with...my GF has made this a staple of all her girls trips to NYC before we moved here. So in honor of her love of this place I've entertained her urges to eat here. It's nice restaurant. You enter in and may be huddled near the register waiting on your table. I've turned away opportunities to sit in the front. I just wouldn't want to sit there eating with people hovering around you. (it may just be me). The food is routinely great. I've had only one miss and that was because I couldn't fully visualize the description on the menu. I've settled on the Scramble + Smoked Salmon + Cream Cheese with a side of 3 pepper fries. Awesome. Needless to say, I'll be back.
(5)
Cici T.
What's in a name? While Sarabeth may specialize in breakfast and brunch fare, I was a bit underwhelmed by their platters. Chalk it up to perhaps not ordering the right dishes, but among the four of us, the consensus was that while good, Sarabeth was not great. I appreciated their soft and fluffy omelettes, but that alone didn't seem to explain the undying love garnered by this restaurant. The bacon wasn't particularly thick or crunchy, the english muffins and toast were similar to the store bought variety, and the pumpkin waffles were hearty, the type you'd tire of somewhat easily. Sarabeth is by no means a poor choice, but just a safe one when it comes to breakfast and brunch.
(3)
Jenny W.
Okay, I lied, I did return to this location after being told at Alice's Teacup that it would be a 2.5 hour wait for 4! One of my friends was in the mood for pancakes, and so I whipped out my trusty Yelp app and searched for the nearest location, and lo-and behold, Sarabeth's was listed first. We walked the 7 blocks up to Sarabeth's and were told that our wait would be only 25 minutes (it was actually about 40). By the time we were seated, we were very happy to be out of the cold (except for the occasional draft every time people went in and out. Try not to get a seat by the door! Our very hungry tummies looked forward to the warm coffee (I forgot that it was so expensive here), the special soup of the day (crab and crawfish bisque), eggs benedict, salmon eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and bananas, and almond encrusted french toast... Everything was delicious! The only one gripe I have was with the english muffins that my salmon eggs benny was served on... it left me wanting a bit more oopmf to the savoriness! I wish I didn't have to add salt and pepper to my meal but I did! Other than that it was a pretty good meal... til I got the check and realized how pricey this joint is (again). This time I would say I would return happily, there are plenty of things on their menu to try!
(4)
Lisa C.
Tasty but pricey. Service was very slow. Came with a group of three, between us, we ordered: ricotta lemon pancakes, salmon/crab eggs benedict, and a pine nut salad (which was light). Food was good; portions generous...would recommend. Atmosphere is cozy, casual...tip: try not to be seated by the door on a cold day!
(3)
Kemi A.
My first time here. I will give it 5 stars even though I sat under a dripping air conditioner that kept splashing on me (and I am SURE into my meal as well)....All I'm saying is if I develop Legionella, I know where it came from. My friends made reservations and were already seated before I got there..so lucky me, I got the drippy seat. Towards the end of the meal, the water got a bit heavier...felt like I was in a rain forest. Anyway....to the meal itself. Everyone was pleased with their options. Naturally, I Yelped the place before I went in. Reviews led me to order the Lemon Ricotta and pancakes. with a side of scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. I didn't know what to expect of the pancakes..I mean lemon? ricotta? in a pancake? Ok..if you say so. But it was actually delicious. i don't recall tasting lemon/ricotta in the pancake but they made the cake yummy. My friend got the buttermilk pancake and they looked flat and dry. I tried on and yeahhhh...I'd say go for the lemon/ricotta combo. There were both 5 short stacks. Sausage was yummy. Eggs were eggs. I forgot the drink I had but it was a berry +banana bellini I think. It was okay. Those pancakes and sausages though...they hit the spot.
(5)
Kevin C.
Say Sarabeth's and you'll have brunch on one's mind. Great brunch place on the UWS. If you get here early on brunch hours 1030 am you may not need to wait too long. Any later expect a hour to hour 1/2 wait. Is it worth it? Yes. The food is spectacular. From coffee to the pastries and everything in between. Coffee came out hot and freshly roasted with a strong coffee bean taste which i love. Omlettes were light, fluffy, french style. Start off with some home made granola with fresh fruit and berries and milk. Eggs Benedict came out with the perfect poached eggs and a tasty hollandaise sauce. Pastries are a must and the scones and muffins with the pastries basket were great. Don't forget the bloody marys or Mimosas. On your way out, you can always pick up a jar of Sarabeth's preserves. Just right on your pastries at home. A definite brunch time spot which doesn't fail.
(4)
Brett T.
A little overpriced, but the food is consistently good so to me it's justified:) The fruit mimosa is amazing and the brunch menu has great eggs benedicts!
(4)
Gwen G.
My family and I went for dinner. There were five of us and we arrived a little late but they held our table and were very pleasant about it. Our waitress was lovely; she made sure that we had everything we needed and made great recommendations. She had a lovely and welcoming smile. The Prix Fixe is a great deal; I had a salad, shrimp risotto and a wonderful bread pudding. All delicious. My daughter had the tomato soup (Wonderful) and the grilled cheese sandwich bacon. All of the food was great. This was my first time here and I will be sure to return!!!
(4)
Jaime B.
3.5 stars really, rounded up to four based on the fact that I have no choice but to round some direction and I really love the mimosas and eggs. Brunch. Wait takes forever in the summer and a bit in the winter, and prices are high, but it's worth it a few times a year. Why? Four Flowers Mimosa and Goldie Lox. I wouldn't have known about this place, despite its popularity, had it not been for a visiting family member who heard from someone at her hotel and at a bar that Sarabeth's was a great brunch option. After that first visit, I've been back a handful of times. It's pretty darn expensive. But I can't not order a Four Flowers Mimosa. It's my favorite mimosa ever. The Four Flowers juice is so, so, so yummy. And the nice thing is that they bring an extra little pitcher of juice and the remainder of your tiny champagne bottle to the table, so you basically get two mimosas. That makes the price a little more reasonable. My husband loves the Bloody Marys. I usually get an iced tea too, which also comes to the table with an individual refill pitcher and is presented well. I almost always order the Goldie Lox, which has salmon and cream cheese and comes with your choice of bread or muffin side. I like that I can order the omelet with egg whites only, but I hate that it costs a little extra. Still, the omelet tastes great; it's light and fluffy, and really, you can't go wrong with cream cheese in my book. The fish usually has good smoked flavor. Once or twice a few pieces have been slightly overcooked, but not so much that the dish isn't still good. I love the pumpkin muffin and the banana muffin, and of course the preserves are divine. But the muffins have their off days--they aren't always perfect. Guacamole appetizer is delicious; the flavor was great, and I really enjoy the chips they serve with it, which are more potato chippy and not tortilla chippy. But it is one pricey appetizer, and you get lots of food with your meal, so only order if you are starving. I've tried the lemon ricotta pancakes as well, since they seem to be what everyone swears by, and they are good. Very light and flavorful, great choice if you want pancakes but don't like the feeling you get after a standard stack. These are thin pancakes, with a very light syrup, which allows the flavor to shine. The service is just okay. The restaurant is almost always packed, so usually I can understand why service is just okay. But recently I was there when the restaurant had emptied out, and our server pretty much disappeared. It took us ages just to get the check. We weren't given explanation or apology. I hope that is abnormal, and I'm offering the benefit of the doubt that maybe she had an off day or something happened. Given the amount of money dropped here, service should never be lacking though. I've had great servers here; I've had mediocre. Guess it's hit or miss. Oh, and be aware, tables are super close together. Like you will know your neighbor's conversation topics close. Come here for food, not service. It's worth a try once in a while. I wouldn't say it's a must-do if you have limited time. But if you have time to spare and want to splurge, give Sarabeth's a try.
(4)
Tamar Z.
HIGHLY disappointing. This is not the Sarabeth's I knew and loved as a child (*on 92nd and Madison). This place was awful. Service was sub-par (slow and inattentive) they messed up my friend's order and by the time they got around to fixing it I had eaten all I could of my overpriced salad which was made with shockingly low quality ingredients and poorly explained on the menu (i ordered a salad with chicken and got half a radicchio filled with dark meet, cold chicken, cooked baby carrots, cold string beans and warm fingerling potatoes??)
(1)
Arlene D.
A disastrous Sunday brunch. We were a group of 3 girls (in our 30's) with my friend's small puggle asking for outdoor seating around 2pm. Hostess (who mentions she was new and needs to ask a manager if having a dog around was okay) almost regretfully says the wait was for 30 minutes and makes a point to ensure my friend's dog was leashed so it stays outside the dining area barrier- yes okay fine.. were they always so dog-friendly?- so she takes my name and we decide we can wait but in the meantime, we walk around the block with the dog and come back 20 minutes later for our table that would soon be ready in another 10. When we return we wait for a few min and I ask the hostess again for a sign of update on our table. She says there are still currently no outdoor table for 3 "but if a table becomes available you can just take it," seemingly exasperated. Great! So we wait some more and we notice 2 tables-for-2 were free, just not connected to each other. Fine, we just had to wait for one table adjacent to a free table to clear and we'd be golden. So we ask if they can be nice enough to give us some mimosas while we stand and wait. Nope, "friendly" waitress says policy doesn't allow for them to serve us if we're not seated. Okay. Pause.. so how about if my friend with her dog sits on one outdoor available table and me and other girlfriend sit anywhere like inside (which has more than like 6 free tables, not crowded at all). Surprise surprise- "No, we have a policy," (yet again), "that once we seat you in a particular table blah blah blah, legalese etc, (moving verboten). "Do you have a policy against serving customers also?" Wow! it's incomprehensible how disagreeable and off-putting they were! At this point it's been a whole hour. The very people working in the food service industry who are supposed to value their customers and treat them with attentive service have completely given us the middle finger. Will not return to try again.
(1)
Mae F.
Food was bleh. Service was poor. Was not worth the wait in line. Had to wait over 45 minutes for a table and then another 20 minutes for our waiter. I understand the being busy, but he passed by twice without acknowledging us. Not worth it
(2)
Rachel A.
Ordered take out from here and not only did they get the order wrong, but the food was not really that good either. Considering the exorbitant price, this was disappointing. They forgot to send us our order of french toast and forgot to put in an ingredient in the custom made omelets. When the french toast was finally delivered, it was gross, I fail to see the difference between the french toast and plain bread. The muffins were bland and too bready. The juice was not fresh squeezed, both grapefruit juice and orange. So I paid $7 per juice for a small amount of tropicana, I could have gotten a whole carton for less than $4! Not ordering from here again.
(1)
Diandra D.
There's a reason Sarabeth's so frequently finds itself on those "Best Brunch" lists you see in New York Magazine, Time Out New York, and any other print or online publication that takes the time to generate such lists. Simply speaking, Sarabeth's KNOWS BRUNCH. When my mom, brother, aunt and I went one Saturday morning, we got a sense of just how popular this place was in the neighborhood: the line was out the door, with people braving the cold in the hopes of snagging a table (even if they had to wait 30-40 minutes to do so). Once seated, we decided to try a few things and sample each others meals (strategy, guys, strategy). On the menu: Eggs Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, almond-crusted french toast and the farmer's omelette. There's nothing quite like lemon ricotta pancakes made the right way. The ricotta makes the batter extra light, so it seems like you're biting into a cloud of lemony sweetness - delicious. The almond crust on the french toast was not at all overpowering, providing a nice crunch to the sweet toast. Leeks, bacon, potato and Gruyere seem like a perfect mix for a nice winter soup, and that combo works equally well in an omelette: the creaminess of the Gruyere enhanced the saltiness of the bacon, while the leeks and potatoes managed to balance each other out. As for the eggs Benedict (which I ordered): sometimes this dish can be tricky if you don't get a good piece of Canadian bacon, if the egg isn't poached just right, or if the hollandaise is too heavy. No tricks here. Everything was great. On a side note, my hilarious aunt was so in love with the Bloody Mary, she asked for a to-go cup to sip on the rest of it while we were walking around the city.
(4)
Peter K.
Service was very slow. Food was nothing special. Portions were actually quite small. Prices were very high for basic things like scrambled eggs - $14.50! If you want home fries, you have to add another $7. You get the idea. Sarabeth's is overhyped.
(2)
Angela K.
Good brunches but a bit overrated. Dinner was pricey, underwhelming and lacked any personality. Good spot to bring parents or more formal guests for a quaint traditional brunch. I suggest coming on a weekday if you can. PASS on dinner.
(3)
Alejandra A.
Our favorite spot for Saturday's brunch. The french toast with almonds and strawberry sauce..... DELICIOUS! The only detail I noticed recently is the size of the portions, are smaller now. :( Sometimes you have to wait more than 25 minutes because the place is very crowed between 10am-12pm
(5)
Ujon C.
I have been this branch quite a lot because this is the nearest one from me. Most of time this branch is busy, but did not need to wait more than 30min. Inside is very cozy, staffs are kind. I like their egg benedict
(4)
Elle G.
Since my last writing...I guess my curiosity got the better of me as far as the tea was concerned. I did call the restaurant again...this time the young lady that answered was knowledgeable enough to give me the correct information so that I was able to contact the company directly and ordered the tea by phone. So I guess.....all's well that ends well!!
(2)
Jamie C.
I was just itching to come back and write this review from the second we sat down! First off, why were all the tables empty when we were finally seated after waiting 30 minutes? The hostess was completely ditzy. During the entire time we waited, a two top table was uncleaned and unused outside despite the fact that 4 other parties of 2 were waiting! How does this place make money when they are not turning tables?! Second, the food was "underwhelming" per my hubby, but I say UNacceptable! Whatever you do, DO NOT get the almond french toast. It tasted like the non-perishable biscuits you pack in your emergency bunker for natural disasters. DRY, possibly burned, Probably made from chemicals. The strawberry sauce could not revive this thing. The benedict was unimpressive too. How do you make hollandaise taste bland? It's butter and egg yolk for goodness sake! I did appreciate the thick cut canadian bacon though. The only thing that deserves honorable mention are the mimosas which are a great deal. These were possibly the best mimosa I've had. Super fresh orange juice and champagne you could tell was not Andre.You get a whole mini bottle of champagne and a small carafe of orange juice. We had about 2.5 mimosas off of one order. Next time, I will just be going for mimosas and a corn muffin. No food. And, definitely not waiting, cause its not worth it!
(2)
James S.
Nom Nom Nom if you go during the week to avoid the crowds this place delivers. friendly service, perfect portions, and a quiet atmosphere make for the perfect date night spot. NOTE: they do not take brunch reservations and I have not been there for brunch but hear its amazing.
(4)
Lauren B.
Great place for brunch. Best to sit in the back area where it can be quieter. The food is great. I had the salmon eggs benedict which I'd order again. We didn't order alcohol but they seem to have a good selection. Be prepared to wait a while on the weekends as there can be a very long line and it can be crowded in front.
(4)
Linda T.
This place used to be pretty good. I went on a Monday morning while visiting my cousins in NYC. We ordered the buttermilk pancakes and garden omelette and I was not impressed. The pancakes were rather dry and I've had much better omelets for much less price. The place was also surprisingly packed! The highlight of the meal was the four flower juice, a combination of pineapple, OJ, pomegranate and bananas. That was the best part of brunch...oh and seeing my cousin too :)
(1)
Jana A.
Yum! A perfect Sunday brunch! One of the highlights of my long weekend in New York City! Be aware of the long wait tho!
(5)
Jennifer P.
I actually prefer this location over the ever-popular and ever-crowded central park west location. While the brunch is always yummy here, I really enjoyed my dinner here on a Friday night. It wasn't super busy or loud, and the waiter was attentive. Both the chicken and salmon dishes were excellent. I couldn't get enough of the garlic mashed potatoes the chicken came with either. I don't think their dinner gets enough attention, but they do have an extensive menu with a decent wine and cocktail selection that is relatively inexpensive compared to other places on the UWS.
(4)
Kent C.
I have actually wanted to hit up one of the Sarabeth's locations for a while, but never had the opportunity to until yesterday where my friends and I had a flexible time frame to wait for a table. One of my friend's arrived a few minutes earlier than the rest of the group(a little after 2pm), and who we assumed was the manager had told her she could seat us shortly. Then we waited for 10 minutes or so, she forgot about us or decided to seat the bigger group of 8 before us. So they were seated and she said don't worry there is that table leaving soon. I wondered if she mean the table right behind me(table to left when you walk in), because they did not look like they were leaving anytime soon. Anyways, it honestly didn't seem to packed to me, just inefficiency and well sheer stupidity? Maybe they try to give each server the same number of tables to make it even... We were given the option to sit at a table for 4 with 5 people on one of the tables with the bench, we took it so we could sit down and stuff ourselves. We asked for water and my friend's wife asked for a mimosa. Several minutes pass by our server comes back with the mimosa and then asks us if we are ready to order. We asked for more time and she then leaves. I complain about the lack of water to my friends and a few minutes later she comes back to fill our glasses, which btw the glasses and silverware was not as clean as they should be(I'll just leave it at that). I ordered the Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich, 1 person ordered yogurt, 1 ordered the salmon eggs benedict, 2 ordered eggs. The overall appearance of the food was interesting to me... The eggs benedict looked fine, my sandwich looked giant and the egg dishes all looked like they died in the window waiting for the server. They basically looked like the eggs you get at mcdonalds. I can't say I don't like fast food but if you're paying $20 for breakfast that crap better not look like something that cost $5 at a fast food joint. The homemade chips that came with my sandwich were pretty good, crunchy, but there was no seasoning on it. The sandwich itself was a bit messy to eat, but not too terrible, but the chicken oh my! This chicken resembled the frozen precooked tyson or perdue chicken breast that have sear marks on them. I am almost 100% certain that it was since I have had plenty of local deli crap chicken sandwiches and these nasty precooked chicken breast for quick eats at home. It was dry, bland, overcooked, and did not taste like chicken. My other critique on the food is that I have never seen 2 inch thick english muffins before, but then again these were cut in half and place on the bottom of the plate, so they're actually 4 inch thick english muffins. Step aside Thomas', Sarabeth's is going to put you out of business with their english muffins that are 4x your size. On top of the crap food, unclean glasses and utensils the service was also HORRIBLE, except for the table next to us. Our waitress was paying such close attention to them. Maybe because they're a bigger group and they probably charge 20% gratuity, or they just kept ordering alcoholic beverages. This experience definitely removed sarabeth's from my brunch list. BTW, as every other yelper on here mentions, and I would like to reiterate, this place is a pricier brunch place.
(1)
Kinjal N.
Hellllloooo Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!! Yum yum in my Tum. Sarabeth's is a small chain in NYC which serves a great brunch. Please don't get the lattes though. One of the most yucky lattes I have ever had. Guess that's what I get for getting a coffee while all the others at the table went for mimosas and other day time spirits.
(4)
Roham U.
The trick to nabbing a table at this place for weekend brunch? Come before noon. My friends and I got here at 11:45a on a Saturday and waited about 10 minutes before we were seated. A little after noon and the line was literally outside the door with what looked like a hour wait. I had to pop my eyes back in when I saw pancakes cost $16 at Sarabeth's. Nonetheless we ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes, big fluffy french toast, and the red omelette. The lemon ricotta pancakes were divine- the lemon is strong and baked into pancakes. The fluffy french toast was topped with fresh berries, standard french toast. I enjoyed the eggs the most, the tomato sauce and sour cream gave it a good consistency to dip toast into. Gave this place three stars because I don't think it's worth the price, the wait, or the threats to friends to be on time.
(3)
Thomas G.
Had brunch at Sarabeth's with a friend 121/22/2014. We arrived around 2pm and although it was crowded, we were quickly seated. I ordered the crab meat guacamole as an appetizer and it was really good. For my main, I had the lox eggs benedict which was very good. I had the best de-caf capuccino ever. The service was pleasant and professional. My only gripe was the place was a bit loud, but after all this is NYC. Would definitely recommend.
(4)
Dolly M.
So excited to meet my daughter at Sarabeth's. She tried the classic eggs Benedict and said it was the best she's ever had! I loved the spinach and goat cheese omelette! The setting is intimate and perfect for a relaxing Sunday Brunch!! Been going there for years, and love this original location the best.
(5)
Carmen O.
Came here for lunch and was not impressed. I didn't love the tomato soup but that's a preference because I don't like chunky tomato soup. The adult grilled cheese didn't do it for me. The pretzel bread it is served on is great, but overpowers the cheese so you can't really taste much cheese. More cheese or stronger cheese is needed. Maybe some mustard. I ordered ice coffee and it arrived as I was taking my last bites. Too late for me, sorry.
(3)
Alina A.
Beautiful location and amazing food along with mimosas ! A bit pricey but worth the money if you're willing to splurge a bit !
(4)
Jennifer J.
Finally able to make it to Sarabeth's, the quintessential New York brunch spot. As expected, there was line & a few people waiting outside. But once I checked in, the wait was only about 30 minutes. I asked if I could go around the corner to get some Starbucks & come back in time to be seated. She said it was fine. Once we came back, we were seated immediately. The one strange thing was that one of the hostesses said they didn't allow outside drinks which is something I've never really encountered. She asked us to pour the drinks into the cups on the table, which I didn't mind because I had actually gotten the coffee for free (the computers crashed at Starbucks) but if I hadn't it was a fresh full coffee that I could only drink for whichever could fit in the cup... slightly annoying. I ordered the Seafood Cobb Salad, it came with huge chunks of lobster & crab. It was absolutely delicious, light & fresh. Our service was pretty attentive & I'd definitely love to come back to try the waffles or pancakes.
(5)
Cheryl H.
I used to come to Sarabeth's as a treat when I was a young professional in NYC. I remembered it having wonderful brunch food, flaky croissants, scrumptious scones, etc. I returned to NYC with my teenage daughter and took her there for a non-diner breakfast. While we arrived early enough not to have to wait, our 2 person booth was so small our feet were on top of each other under the table. Our waitress had zero personality and disappeared for long periods of time. We ordered omelets, which were just OK. But the half circle of yellow sat lonely on the plate with whatever bread/potato was ordered. The scone with mine had none of the wonderful texture of true scones but more of wonder bread, and the croissant my daughter ordered had no flakiness, but closely resembled and tasted like the mass market croissants from Costco. No fruit on the plate - that would have been 8 or 9 dollars more. Boy was I disappointed. I accept that New York is expensive, but I wouldn't pay $17 for my omelet another time. Maybe the non-egg dishes were tastier than the egg options, but I won't be going back to try it out.
(2)
Leah L.
Short and sweet will best encapsulate this experience. Imagine.....people watching, outside on a sunny day with a lightly buttered, fresh lobster roll with friendly faces around you, as your skin embraces the sunshine and soft blows of wind against your face. As you are eating your comforting lobster roll with a chill coleslaw, life has new meaning. You feel your life expand as your stomach shouts for joy and your mind envisions the historical legacy in the air from the neighboring Natural History Museum and Beacon Theatre. Happiness ensues while your senses say "Seize the day! For the present is a gift." Yes folks, this is Sarabeth's West. People actually put their cell phones away while eating here. Check it owwwwttt yall. The outdoor patio was a refreshing space to dine and people watch.
(4)
Anne Marie B.
I guess I just don't get the hype. I adore brunch, but Sarabeth's wasn't anything spectacular...certainly not worthy of the huge lines it garners on weekend mornings. Two of us had a nice meal, but I don't think it's really worth going back. We decided to get two egg dishes and share them so we got the Farmer's omelet (leeks, bacon, potato, gruyere) and the Goldie Lox (scrambled eggs + lox). These come with your choice of bread so we both got pumpkin muffins (great until I took a bite and found raisins tainting the pumpkin, but that's a personal distaste). The omelet, while big, was very dry and the flavor was not that striking. The fillings were small and sometimes not present. The Goldie Lox was our favorite of the two because the eggs were much moister. We also shared a side of pork and apricot breakfast sausage, which basically means pork sausage in a pile of apricot preserves. The sausage was tasty, sure, but I can buy similarly plump sausages from Trader Joe's just down the street and cook them up just as nicely. Our waitress was very nice, so that was a plus, but the food was just mediocre and the prices were too high for the quality and quantity of food received. I would've like some breakfast potatoes on the side of my eggs or maybe a light salad and some fresh fruit. But no, just my dry omelet and raisin-infested muffin. Maybe NY just doesn't understand what makes a brunch "1 hour wait"-worthy, but Sarabeth's isn't it.
(3)
Tom B.
Breakfast was tasty. I had the French Toast with a side of Bacon. The portions of French Toast was ample - and while tasteful, far from divine or the best I'd had. Clearly a high margin item for them. Accoutrement was sliced bananas and strawberry. Again, good, but nothing special. Maple syrup is advertised as local, organic - but as I have a regular import of Canadian - my tastes are high and I was not wowed. Bacon and sides are pricey - $7 for a side of 5 slices of bacon. It's New York after all, but in exchange for cost, would like value, and this was nothing special. That said I enjoyed my meal and while not a bargain, was certainly better than average. My wife had the lemon picotta pancakes - nothing amazing in presentation, but flavor was good. Ambiance was nice - clean, bright and very comfortable. Seating and service were quick and staff were friendly and nice. Overall a nice meal and experience and I'd recommend as a once per trip type of visit.
(4)
Mads D.
Food is excellent. Would prefer more of it, considering the price. Great place to take your parents/grandparents. Amazing jam. Wish they would bring a whole jar to the table!!!
(4)
Dianne V.
We arrived, a group of 8 including 4 children for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Our wait was about 20 minutes which wasn't unbearable. Although I've known about Sarabeth's for eons I've never tried it. Usually when we go to breakfast in the city we notoriously end up at Bubby's. So I was looking forward to finally trying this place. Although I really can't say anything negative about the meal it wasn't really anything to write home about. Their ricotta pancakes didn't hold a candle to the ones I've had at Teresas in Brooklyn. The salmon eggs Benedict was the best of the bunch but not jaw dropping. The apple french toast lacked apple taste. Overall we were fairly disappointed. At least I can say I've been there now. I can also say I won't be back.
(2)
Alice L.
Sarabeth's had about a 45-minute wait on a Sunday afternoon. The restaurant is pretty big, but I'm starting to notice that's a commonality between all glossy uptown brunch spots. Must be to accommodate all of the strollers. Menu is extensive - comprehensive varieties of French toast / pancakes / omelets, and more lunch-y plates as well. I noticed several oatmeal offerings which I thought was unique and a standby option if I was in a Goldilocks sort of mood. Food was okay - I ordered the Farmer's Omelet and my friend got the Eggs Benedict. The Farmer's Omelet comes with a side of muffin / croissant / scone, and they were extremely generous with the gruyere. Overall the place is nothing to write home about. I probably would have given this place 2 stars had it not been for the fact that a) Service is very friendly and b) It's generally an agreeable ambiance in which to sup. I will say that a few parties around us ordered the Bloody Mary which looked PHENOMENAL. It's served basically in like a PUNCH BOWL (and at $16 it should be), with all of these bell peppers and stuff on top.
(3)
Norman W.
I JUST moved to the UWS so I have a lot of catching up to do. But I can say that future brunch restaurants will have big shoes to fill because Sarabeth's West was dee-lish! We got the lemon & ricotta pancakes because after reading all of the raves I had to. They were just as light and delicious as described. And we got the classic bene which was quite good. I am a big fan of their English muffin, and the hollandaise was not too lemony. Well done! One thing I did observe that I would point out to others is that if you go for Sunday brunch before 10:00 am, it is Romper Room. I counted no fewer than fifteen munchkins there in the 9:00 hour, at least half of whom were in the 2-5 year range. Now, they all seemed very well-behaved so I have no complaints. Would that everyone's children behaved so well in a restaurant! But I just want to point it out to any early birds who may be allergic to children.
(4)
Nick V.
We only went there for Sunday brunch with Sarah's Bro and his Gal. It was his idea and I heard positive things about it, so we figured lets try it. As far as the food, I think the menu has some very good selections. We all ordered something different and enjoyed our dishes. Coffee was especially good and the ladies seemed to enjoy their Belininis. I ordered the waffles with fruit and while I really enjoyed it, thought is was a bit pricey. But this is prime UWS mind you, so what can you say? What got to me was the wait for table. It must have been close to 45 minutes before we could sit down. I like the place, but I would not wait that long again for a table there... Unless of course they were giving the food away!
(3)
Sean W.
It's like stepping into 1989. The decor is horrible. The bus waiters throw your food at you and leave. Coffee, anything else? Not a word. The tables are bussed like a diner, LOUD! Food is ok but nothing special. Entire meal and experience was more like a Marriott.
(2)
G B.
Was in the mood for a Sunday Brunch, so into my favorite part of the city I go. $$$- $15 Buttermilk pancakes were awesome. My girl friend's omelet was very good as well. Service- Very nice and helpful. The Wait- Im getting use to looking up a restaurant on Yelp!, and arriving at the place and being told 30-45min (11am-12pm Sunday) Its just the norm now. Also I figure all the tourist and other locals just do the same thing I do. Yelp is the best. When crowded it feels very small, and a table for 2 will become a table for you, your guest and who ever is sitting next to you because your almost on top of each other. Overall a great place to go for the time I went, I don't suggest groups but I do suggest their Jam. 2 people OJ, Home Fries = $46
(4)
Andrew W.
Though primarily a destination for brunch, don't sleep on Sarabeth's for dinner. Compared to many of it's neighbors, it's usually pretty quiet, even on a Saturday night, which is surprising to me because the food is quite good and reasonably priced. I could have their signature cream of tomato soup every night in the winter. If planning a casual dinner for a group in this area, I'd definitely recommend it as well.
almond french toast frittata of fresh peppers, bacon, scallions, and gruyere cheese popeye eggs lemon ricotta pancakes coffee cottage home kind of decor. got lucky, seated in a nice corner booth. some dishes were average, others were better. constant flow of coffee. friendly servers.
(3)
Lia K.
So torn. While the food is quite delicious I cannot say the same for service but mainly the ridiculous wait for a table in a non-existent wait area. We basically stood there, staring down other peoples meals and any empty seats. Try doing that for a half hour/40 mins straight. Talk about awkward. At least the food was delicious... I ordered a salmon Eggs Benedict- hollandaise, lightly tossed green salad on an english muffin. Friend's Chicken pot pie- delicious and brings back memories of home. Sirloin burger- PERFECT medium on brioche bun with fries. I wished to have a bit more attention with service, a refill with water and coffee would have been delightful :(. Part of me understands that good food establishments are in high demand so a wait is typical. The meaner side of me demands that delicious foods should be offered with impeccable service and wait times. So.. I don't know. I really enjoyed the food. It was filling, tasty and made me want to order one of everything on the menu, but c'mon... the awkward, hovering wait experience wasn't pleasant. Sarabeth's, I like you. Would you be able to work on this issue? I'd love to come back for more, perhaps a brunch with an assortment of your freshly baked bread or prixefix menu items. Pretty please?
(4)
Caroline W.
Food was mediocre at best. Wait was not bad for two people on a Sunday, around 2pm. The place itself was nice and the brunch cocktails were good, but the food was only OK. We ordered the Eggs Benedict with Salmon and the Goldie Lox.
(2)
Ms G.
I had a terrible experience at Sarabeth CPS and heard that this one is better. Well, I did get more berries (which were actually ripe) with my lemon ricotta pancakes, so that's a plus. But, seriously, this place had nothing much redeeming. Goat cheese spinach omelet was bland and rubbery. Mediocre brunch for two at $50+ in a packed, noisy place with uncomfortable seats? Naw. I like their preserve, so next time, I'll skip the restaurant and get it at Fairway. Lastly, their servers were SUPER pushy about getting coffee or tea and do not take "no, thank you" for an answer. One practically forced me to choose btwn regular and decaf coffee. Although I didn't want caffeine as I already had some, I'm a push-over and got decaf. I finished less than 1/2 of and paid $4 for it.
(2)
Elizabeth J.
Came here over the weekend with a friend and it was well worth the (30 minute) wait. I would say home cooking, but sorry mama doesn't cook breakfast like this. Nor would she pay $15 for some eggs. With that said the food overall was bomb! You can tell everything is made fresh and with love. Red Omelet: Always after some spice, this omelet was not to disappoint (even added some hot sauce to top it off) . Came w/a pumpkin muffin!! Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes: I hate pancakes, and these made me have order envy! They were super fluffy and delicious Cheese Blintzes w/sour cream and apple butter for dessert = heaven. A little bubblie, a little OJ -set for a day of success. I would recommend making a reservation. Worth the wait, but who likes waiting.....
(4)
Katherine E.
The hostess was the rudest person I have ever encountered on the upper west side. I cannot review the food because I wouldn't eat at a restaurant that is so inhospitable!
(1)
foodfoodfood f.
Love Sarabeth's... She did my wedding cake. And I regularly crave the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and cream cheese, delish. Today the banana muffin was inexplicably dry, but I'm sure it was an anomaly...
(4)
Kaylie N.
I haven't been here in a while and decided to order out on Seamless for breakfast from them. Got the buttermilk pancakes. They were flat and tasteless, and for sixteen dollars, I expected much, much better. Won't be ordering out from here again, but willing to go to the restaurant and try one more time.
(2)
Alison L.
Brunch is my favorite meal in NYC, and I've been dying to try Sarabeth's ever since I've moved here. We got the pancakes with strawberries and bananas, and the salmon eggs benedict. The pancakes were decent, though not as fluffy as I prefer them. The salmon eggs benny was good too, although it didn't come with baked goods that the other egg dishes come with. Boo. for 18 dollars, I feel like throwing in a muffin wouldn't be that hard, would it? The staff was super nice, so I don't count anything against them, but I'd leave Sarabeth's to the Japanese tourists.
(2)
Greg R.
No bells and whistles, just the best New-England style comfort food you can get in the city. The clientele can be old but then again, one of the best parts of Sarabeth's is feeling like your grandma prepared the meal. Highlights include a world-famous brunch (can be crowded and reservations are a must), molten mac'n'cheese with bacon, the seasonal fruit crumble and an incredibly reasonable prix-fixe, 3-course lobster dinner. Prices are reasonable and service is great. For my anniversary dinner, they went out of their way with fancier place setting and offered a complimentary bottle. Simply, one of my NYC staples.
(5)
Lauren L.
I dined at Sarabeth's last night and can't stop thinking about it! I came here somewhat on whim too and I'm thrilled that I chose Sarabeths as my eating destination. My friend and I wanted to meet for dinner and he was coming up from uptown so this was the middle. I quickly did some leg work to find a spot on the UWS and through playing around on Yelp, it lead to Sarabeths. I made a reservation for 6:30 and couldn't wait! I had arrived a few minutes late, but on a Wednesday night they weren't too busy. It's a very quant eatery. You walk in and you first get the feel of a bakery but as you look towards the back it has more of restaurant feel to it. My friend and I were seated at a booth that was tucked away in the corner which was just perfect. Our waitress, Steph, came over and got us started with a bottle of wine. We had a Riesling that had just come in and was new to the menu, Steph highly recommended it, and while I'm no big wine-O it was fruity and delicious. They then brought out some complimentary bread that was fresh out of the oven. The ones with the raisins was my favorite. When it came time to order, I knew what I wanted but I had to make sure I was getting the right thing! So I asked Steph how the scallops were and she didn't have anything bad to say. What really sold me was the polenta pumpkin cake that came with the entree. I had the Grilled Maine Diver Sea Scallops pumpkin polenta cake, mini micro greens, sage brown butter sauce. I know this is going to be a seasonal item but I want it to stay on their menu forever. In fact, I would just like to have the polenta as an entree entree. It wasn't your typical polenta either, not creamy or really firm, they met in the middle. The polenta was surrounded by 4 big scallops that were drizzled in some of the best sage brown butter sauce I've ever had. The polenta with a little butter sauce was really the icing on the cake though, the pumpkin spice flavor was accented very nicely. The scallops were perpared perfectly and topped nicely with some fresh veggies. I'll be back to have this dish again before it's off the menu ... and that's saying alot because I don't usually hit restaurants twice! My friend had the Pan-Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast roasted garlic mash, haricot verts, chicken ajus. But instead of garlic mash he opted for spinach. He was ranting and raving over the spinach and they gave a really nice amount of it. The chicken was a nice sized piece and was gone in the matter of minutes so I assume it was good!! After our meal, we just had to have dessert, and because I'm all things pumpkin right now we ordered the ... wait for it ... pumpkin tart!! A beautiful little round tart was brought to our table topped with whipped cream and pumpkin seeds. I'm not sure which dish made my taste buds dance more when it came to the pumpkin flavoring. The tart was delightful and just enough to satisfy ones sweet tooth. I will say though, the presentation of all the other dishes were shown some love but the dessert dish wasn't ... I would have enjoyed if the pumpkin tart dish got some decorative love even it was just sprinkling some cinnamon on the plate so it didn't look so sad and lonely! And to round out the meal, we ordered another bottle of wine! One thing I really liked about Steph, she had a heavy hand so when she poured that wine, she didn't hold back! She was very attentive and more than helpful with the menu. It was just a relaxing dinner and the food was just outstanding. It appears as if they may be more of a brunch spot, which I will have to try but the dinner was a stand out for me!
(5)
Liz J.
Came here for dinner with my parents and my grandparents and it was perfect for them. This restaurant is like an upscale version of your grandmother's home. Perfect for an older crowd/people who are picky eaters. We started with chips and guacamole, which turned out to be potato chips stuck into guacamole. The potato chips were very large and crunchy and really impressed the table. Personally, I was kind of grossed out by the combination. We also had the tomato soup (which they are known for) was delicious, creamy, and had large chunks of tomato - A+ For dinner, I had the filet mignon which was classically good, but free of any spices. It was presented really well. One member of my party had the lobster prix fixe and it was amazing! The lobster was stuffed with crab meat, perfectly cooked, and they even had completely cracked the lobster so you just had to pull it out of the shell. It was amazing! I kind of regretted not getting it! The other members of my family gave high ratings to the chicken pot pie (which looked awesome when it was brought out--there was an impressive puff pastry over the top!), the shrimp risotto, and the rigatoni. For dessert we all sampled some of the pecan pie and it smelled like Thanksgiving. Our waitress was super friendly as well. This is the perfect place to take people who want nice American food. One negative for those traveling with seniors, the bathrooms are below the restaurant down a flight of stairs. Luckily it wasn't a necessary, otherwise I'm not sure my elderly grandparents would have made it.
(4)
phil h.
A few weeks before my most recent trip to New York I received a nice email from the manager at Sarabeth's West, asking me to give them another shot. Since it's literally across the street from my friend's apartment we decided to do so on Sunday. What a difference a few months make! Our brunch this time around was fantastic - my lemon ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy and not too sweet. And my side of bacon was crunchy and plentiful, two of my favorite things when it comes to bacon! I'm glad I gave Sarabeth's West another shot and will definitely be dropping back by next time I'm in town.
(4)
Sarah G.
I chose Sarabeth's for Thanksgiving Dinner. We had never been. We have always done a very traditional home-cooked dinner, but this year we were returning from Europe on Thanksgiving Day. We arrived earlier than our reservation time and were seated within five minutes. I had the butternut-squash soup, traditional turkey dinner, and pecan pie. All of the food was superb. Better than home-cooked flavor, but not beyond the "traditional" style. Only the pecan pie was not as good as home cooked-- a little gooier than I like it. My daughter had crabcake, filet mignon and pumpkin pie-- and also gave the food high marks. The service was great. The restaurant was packed and there were lines out the door so the noise level was a little high but really well within what we expected. We are going back this weekend to check out their regular menu.
(5)
NYCNYC l.
I am normally a huge fan of Sara Beths, but not this location. We just finished dinner and the food was terrible, when we arrived no one was even waiting to seat us, and Anthony Bourdain says that you can tell if a restaurant is clean based on their bathroom- well, this bathroom wasnt clean and before using it a staff member used it and I dont think they even washed their hands.. Overall, truly disappointed.. the waitress was lovely and attentive, so the service was OK, but food was really disappointing. Perhaps best to stick to this place only for brunch and also the Park Ave South location, which never disappoints.
(2)
Danielle D.
My husband and I went here on the recommendation. One look at the menu prices were a turn off, but I had to consider the neighborhood. Coffee was hot and mild and service was very attentive. The buttermilk pancakes were neither buttery or milky, but rather flat and bland. The apple sausage was a bit dry, a casualty of being cooked too long. The basic sunny side eggs w/toast ($9?!) was ok and a side of bacon will run you $4. All total $47 for 2, plus the tip. You're clealy playing for their rent and to say that you've been to Sarabeth's. Save your $$ for dinner and go to a diner for breakfast.
(2)
Joanna N.
I had brunch here on my last day in NY - we had reservations @ 8:30 am on a Sunday, so there was no wait! =) This is home cooking style, but with very fresh ingredients. Their "three bears style" hot porridge is too cute!!! I had the Farmer's Omelette (w/ leeks, bacon, chunks of potato, & gruyere cheese), a banana muffin w/ preserves, and a four flowers juice (blend of orange, fresh pineapple, banana & pomegranate). The hubs had the morning crunch. Highlights: -the morning crunch is super filling! (& be careful with the honey - it makes it VERY sweet!) -the banana muffin w/ preserves was AUH-MAZING! -4 flowers juice - delicious! All-in-all Sarabeth's was a great way to end my NYC trip!
(4)
Will V.
Well... my gender prohibits me from being among the "ladies who lunch" crowd, but Sarabeth's makes me want to be an honorary member. A strong bet for breakfast or brunch with visiting family or for business, Sarabeth's - I go to both the Central Park South and UWS locations - has winning service, flavors, and portions. My pick? Lemon ricotta pancakes, a side of the chicken apple sausage, and the special multi-fruit juice (make it a mimosa if it's not a work breakfast). Whatever you choose, you can't really go wrong, it's a brunch standby for those not seeking the AYCD experience.
(4)
Sonja K.
Delicious brunch! Pros: Window seating, prompt wait-staff, friendly waiters. I had the frittata with peppers, bacon, scallions, and cheese. It was delish! My friend had the lox with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and cream cheese. She said it was really good. Cons: There was a bit of wait for the food. Luckily I was there with a friend to pass the time. I'll definitely go back!
(4)
Mark L.
Great brunch. Got a nice seat outside. The lemon ricotta pancakes are killer. Not too sweet, just right. And the crab cake eggs benedict is awesome. Bloodies are really good but could use more stuff in them (olives, pickles, pickled string beans - come on, something!) I'd go back.
(4)
Denise D.
Oh, this breakfast was heavenly! Those lemon ricotta pancakes are honestly the best pancakes I have ever had. They are sweet, but not overwhelming. They are pure perfection. Seriously, they are what dreams are made of. I also ordered a pomegranate bellini (not sure if that is the name, but it was a berry bellini), and they give you it in your glass, as well as give you a mini carafe with extra pomegranate/berry juice, and what's left of a champagne split. It is a bit pricey ($12-14), but it is like getting two drinks in one, so it's not a bad deal. As for the ambiance, it was nice, warm, and homey feeling. They have outdoor seating, which is a great place to sit on warm summer mornings. Our server was good with checking on us, and was very friendly. Overall, it was a really delightful Saturday morning brunch.
(5)
Grace L.
This is a review for brunch dated July 1st, 2012. Outdoor temperatures were in the lower to mid 90's and it was high noon. I had heard some pretty good things about Sarabeth's so I decided to brave the heat and the small crowd gathered outside the restaurant to give their brunch menu a try. The truth is, I'm on a July - September tour of brunch reviews, and I didn't plan Sarabeth's to be my first stop, but here I was walking through the sea of hungry and excited patrons to the hostess inside. A smiling yet undeniably harried blond hostess greeted me and told me the wait for a solo table outside would take about 20 minutes. I did a quick observation of the inside dining area and it was packed with sterile and happy upper westsiders. Maybe a tourist or two, but the crowd was your typical frizzy haired upper west side mom-baby-husband-angsty teen girl grouping. They sell take aways like granola and little tid bits inside, but I didn't pay attention. As I stood outside in the sun, a larger crowd was gathering and congesting the sidewalk, and disgruntled moms and dads with their baby carriages were trying to push through with annoyed looks on their faces. Their grumbling would immediately change to wistful smiles upon seeing that the crowd was waiting for Sarabeth's, quietly gushing with their "woo Sarabeth", "Oh Sarabeth~" "Yes I love this place"s. 20 minutes turned to 40 minutes and when I saw the harried frizzy hostess seating a preppy haughty young couple that had just walked in, at a little table I had been eyeing for five minutes, I expressed my dissent but she sharply said, "they were here before you." Poor line management, check. Lying, check. Already I had a feeling that this might go down in my memory as just another overrated nyc brunch eatery. Another hostess, just as harried and frizzy as the first one but with darker hair, seated me after 42 minutes of baking like a potato in the sun. I took a quick glance of the menu and found that they have five varieties of omelettes (red omelette, garden omelette, farmers, spinach and goat cheese, and cheese omelete which is either white cheddar or gruyere). The red omelette is a chunky red pepper and tomato sauce and cheddar omelette which sounds like a heart burn on a pretty plate. I ordered the FOUR FLOWER JUICE which is a concoction of OJ+Pineapple+Banana+Pomegranate and it is a very refreshing pick-me-up and a great start to perking up your taste buds and prepping your system for the indulgent brunch entree. I wanted to review their crab cake benedict, but as they were out of Crab Cake *how dare they) I ordered the CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT. While waiting I sipped a J. ROGET MIMOSA, DId it taste like a $12 mimosa? I wouldn't say so. By this time I still didn't receive water at my table, and I was too heat-exhausted and tired to muster a yelp to get the waitress' attention. Mediocre Front of House Service? Check. The CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT arrived within ten minutes, and my first thought was, this is an akward and ugly looking benedict. The bread-to-benedict ratio is way too high and the ovewhelming brioche couldn't somehow support the ham and the non-yokey poached egg, and it screamed a serious lack of structural integrity. I didn't see the yoke until about 75% into my first egg and I coudn't help but exclaim, "there it is!" The bread is soft but t's puffy and its a very fat and a sad looking sort and tough to swallow dish. A little over halfway through my second benedict, which was a litle easier to manage but again, lacking in the yokey yokeness, I understood that the purpose and utilitarian feature of the big puffy bread is to help you sop up the yoke and egg left over on the plate. Hmm... I get it, but I won't be coming back here to order the CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT again. The first cut into the benedict is a true test of your strength and finesse because the edge of the bread is a bit tough, and one wrong move and you'll collapse the haphazard stacking of the mediocre ham and non-yokey egg. Despite my inner complaints, I scraped the plate (I needed to get moneys worth). Wanting to treat myself for successfully maneuvering my way through the most difficult eggs benedict and the scorching heat, I asked to see the dessert menu. Long story short, I took the waitresses recomendation which was the WARM RASPBERRY BREAD PUDDING. . The bread pudding was almost flan like but undeniably dreamy. The creamy bed upon which it rested was a song and dance in my mouth and the chunks of raspberry in the breadpudding had my taste buds skipping. would I call it stellar? No. it's missing a certain je ne sais quois. Sarabeth's was a citybest in 2006 and 2007, which was obviously a long time ago. Sorry Sarabeth. I Just wouldn't call it "love".
(3)
Bryan C.
Brunch at Sarabeth's is everything brunch should be. All of the food is comforting and delicious, yet the flavors are complex and each dish is executed perfectly. After going the first time and ordering the lemon ricotta pancakes and the eggs benedict, we were not able to get the amazing memory out of our heads and had to go back two weeks later. The home made english muffin atop which the eggs benedict rest is a culinary triumph, and once having had it, makes it virtually impossible to enjoy any other take on the muffin. The lemon ricotta pancakes are everything the other reviewers have said - delicate, light, fluffy, with subtle tones of flavor from the lemon and ricotta. In another word - genius. That said, we were less impressed with the jams and bread basket. Perhaps we just got a bad bunch, but we were expecting them to be warm and fluffy, and they were not. They felt like they were taken out of a pasty case. And the jams while tasty, weren't that much further apart from what you'd get out of a jar of Smuckers. So, I question whether the price tag on that appetizer is warranted. Overall though, we've been back once since our first visit and will likely go back again, especially since the english muffin is haunting our dreams.
(4)
Alice W.
If you're coming here for brunch, prepare for a wait. So I decided to get takeout instead. Decor: very cute inside! Apple cinnamon french toast: I really don't understand why everyone recommends the french toast. It was a little dry and I could not taste the "apple cinnamon" at all. Overall, not impressed. and I'm glad I didn't have to wait in that line.
(2)
Jason F.
The only reason aside from it's beauty. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Fire your cardiologist.
(5)
E M.
Brunch spot recommendation of Serena and Blair. Prices are kind of redic; $14 for an egg/cheese omelet? $7 side of bacon? Have to add though that the preserves are a must try.
(3)
Vanessa M.
It's no longer what it used to be. People are still queuing though, and b wonder why. I ordered a cheese and spinach omelette. It was overcooked, and the only thing that saved it from being too dry was the cheese filling. It was served as is, with no greens. The only thing you get is a scone, which was certainly not made of the day: too dry. I ordered a pumpkin cocktail which was nice. The boys had bloody Marys, which were huge but tasted super spicy. It looks more like a soup, actually. And indeed, Sarabeth offers as an option to add shrimps in it (no kidding). My husband had a tuna sandwich, which he said was very common and overpriced. At least his greens were good, and the dressing perfectly tangy. For 1 sandwich, 1 omelette, 1 frittata and 3 drinks, it cost us almost $100. And regarding service, we were very surprised that the food came in 5 minutes before the drinks. Not the best to help you wait.
(1)
Diana B.
Still pleasant, with good service., A bit pricey for what you get.
(4)
Bill S.
This place just screams the Upper West Side. Its cute and all the mommies come here to chat over their expensive salads about their kids pre-schools. Its all good, but for lent I'll be having no meat. So I'm here for the lobster roll. I'll just sit by myself and quietly wait. So out it comes, boom! Brother can you spare another lobster? The sandwich was good but the lobster, fresh but wasn't overflowing. Fresh potato chips and cole slaw, mmmm mm! This is a nice mommy/brunch wifee place. If you're looking to suck down a few beers in a place with yellow walls, look elsewhere. If your still here? You might want to look into a low T pill...
(4)
Timothy C.
Have been here for brunch a couple of times now, but I always end up questioning why I end up at Sarabeth's. It's nothing spectacular here and the prices are high for what you get. I've had the omelettes, egg benedict, and waffles and nothing has stood out to me as something worth trying. It is easy to get a table here though, and the waits are not as bad as one would expect. The service is decent enough.
(3)
Fay R.
Made a reservation for New Years Eve to enjoy the live music. Was VERY disappointed as we were stuck so far from the music that you could barely hear it. Also the music was supposed to start half an hour after we arrived, but instead it started an hour later. It was not worth the price. There are so many festive places for New Years. This was not one of them.
(2)
Melanie F.
Horrible OVERpriced food & terrible decor. Looks like the inside of an outdated country club.
(1)
Lili K.
40 minute wait on a Sunday afternoon. I had the Red Omelet, which was fluffy with some light sour cream on top, but it needed more substance to it. For $15, it was pretty pricey. It came with a muffin of choice (I chose the berry corn), with some light butter and strawberry jam. All pretty nice, but without the wow factor. Nothing spectacular about the service, either. The place has some light blue walls, with some cabinets, coat hooks, etc to make the restaurant look like you're dining at someone's home.
(3)
Gigi S.
Four stars for their food and service. I had the eggs benedict which were absolutely delish. Their buttermilk pancakes were ok and the popeye eggs were ok. I do love thier homemade biscuits and like the fact their their mimosas are actually enough for two drinks. Now lets talk about their prices and waiting time for a table. We were told we would have to wait at least 20 minutes for a table for two, which is understandable on a Sunday at 1pm in May when its warm out. 45 minutes later, right before my head hit the pavement, we were called in. As far as their prices go, I understand its Manhattan, Amsterdam no less, but $18 for eggs benedict and $16 for plain buttermilk pancakes? Wait, what?
(4)
Brandon B.
I just had the most bland, average, eggs Benedict I have ever tried and it coast me $17.50. My salad was also warm. This simply should my stand. Especially with all the great lunch specials in the area. I am usually not cheep. But I know how things should be priced. And I know a good brunch meal when I try one. Please do not come here. And do not give them your money.
(2)
Yiwen S.
i was gonna rave about the hostess and how amazing i thought she was. two friends and i came here at 12:30 on a sunday afternoon and we were told the wait would be about 45 minutes. and sure enough, 46 minutes later, we were called to be seated. i was gonna say that this hostess is freakin badass about estimating the wait time, but then i read some of the other reviews and it appears the general wait time for brunch is 45 minutes. so, no longer as impressive. but kudos to the restaurant for maintaining consistent turnover time. cute joint on the inside. very spacious with plenty of tables throughout and even comfy booths lining the walls in the back half of the restaurant - just goes to show how popular this place usually is. warmly decorated.. love the pastel tones here. the french toast i ordered ranks pretty high up there on my list (and trust me, i've tried my share of french toasts before... and then some). i love brunch places that either serve french toast with powdered sugar or with fresh fruit. and this place had both! amazing and delicious. not in the least bit dry or over-toasted. it was so FLUFFYYYYY i'm gonna die. service was top-notch. couldn't ask for a friendlier waiter (easy on the eyes too).
(4)
Margaret T.
Was here over the summer for brunch with 5 other friends. It was pretty crowded when we first arrived but we only ended up waiting about 20 minutes to be seated. Once we were seated, we immediately got a round of drinks. The Bloody Marys came in these cute little mini-pitchers and were 4 stars -- pretty good but not mindblowing (not spicy enough and too sour). I ordered the lox scramble and that was pretty tasty. I thought this place was ok. Nothing special but a little on the pricey side. I was expecting a little bit more since this was supposed to be "the place" according to the chef in our party.
(3)
Kurt B.
Oddly enough I did NOT have brunch here. I actually popped in for an early Sunday dinner on a whim. I'll give 4 stars for the service as our server was just a pleasant person. She was on the ball even though she was working a double. The food was good and for the prices charged I thought it was a decent value. I had the jumbo shrimp risotto which was good....could have used a tad more seasoning. The wife had the salmon which was cooked the way she ordered it but could have used a bit more seasoning too. Very reasonably priced wine list as well. All in all I would go back for what I consider to be an inexpensively priced meal with good service in a comfortable place.
(3)
Sarah G.
I've been here twice now, and can certainly say I'm a fan. Yes, the lines are long. Yes, the food is delicious. That's what you get for having a successful restaurant chain. My first time, I had a egg white omelette that was perfectly fluffy and tasty. That can sometimes be difficult without the yolk, but these guys know what they're doing. Second time around I tried the granola and it was grand. Made me feel semi-healthy, even though the portion was pretty huge. The one thing that can be iffy is the service. They're busy, but they're doing their best. In the midst of insanity, however, a few mistakes are made (coffee choice, friend's order was confused) and that is always annoying. But they don't seem to care, as the line is going to be long no matter what.
(4)
Becky M.
Decent brunch but not worth the half hour wait. The tables are cramped and the service is slow. I have definitely had a much better brunch elsewhere. For two people (No alcohol) it was $78.00! I thought that was kinda pricey for eggs benedict served with a bland side salad that had no dressing. The eggs benedict was good, but yeah I agree that this place is a tad overrated. I would not label this as the best brunch in the UWS and yet, it is labeled as that when doing a Google search. (Scratching chin) hmmmmmm.
(2)
Reshena L.
Good but not great, just an average brunch experience. Definitely make reservations (at least for brunch) -- there was a line out the door when we came but we were seated pretty quickly having made reservations a couple days in advance. It has a pretty home-y, family friendly feel, so it was a prime spot for the hordes of post-Thanksgiving family gatherings. We got the Eggs Benedict (comes w/ salad) and the Buttermilk Pancakes (comes w/ strawberries and bananas), both of which were pretty enjoyable, although now I'm looking at all the reviews and regretting not getting the lemon ricotta pancakes. Seems like that's the better choice, but you still can't go wrong with the classic buttermilk. The strawberries were also some of the best strawberries I'd had in awhile. Service was extremely nice and efficient, but not to the point that we felt rushed, so I'll give them points for that considering they were dealing with a pretty high volume. Overall everything was pretty good, but considering all the hype and the fairly high prices, I wasn't too impressed. I don't regret going, but I probably wouldn't go again -- there are better brunch places in the city.
(3)
Samantha S.
Best summed up as a place for Ladies Who Brunch. Many thanks to Yelpers who steered me toward Lemon Ricotta Pancakes--light, mid-sized, and especially wonderful with chicken sausage. Be sure to try the perfect applesauce underneath. (My best friend announced that she dreams about these sausages and then begged me not to put that in my Yelp review. Sorry, sweetie.) Being a generous soul, she shared her Goldie Lox with me--not the highest quality lox, but lots of flavor and contrast with the cream cheese cooked into the eggs. The muffins are ok, not outstanding. The jam is brilliant. Coffee is fine, and service is always sweet. We usually eat lunch here, so I can also vouch for the tomato soup and sandwiches. I wouldn't go further off the path than that, though.
(4)
Jamie K.
A bit pricey for breakfast/brunch, but a great place to go for something better than a diner breakfast. Enjoyed the frittata and potato waffles that we ordered. The coffee was good too. The service wasn't particularly good or bad. Would definitely come again!
(4)
Michael G.
We went here for a family dinner after a recommendation from my brothers coworker, and I was not impressed. The staff was nice but could have been a little more attentive. I had the shrimp risotto which was mediocre. The shrimp was cooked well but was largely unseasoned. The pancetta and peas added nice flavor to the dish but was not enough to pick up the dish. I understand risotto is a hard dish, but my risotto at home on first try came close to this. If you're going to serve it make it well. Also the dish was lukewarm, but I was too hungry to send it back. The gf had a seafood salad which looked nice but I won't judge a restaurant off a salad. Also the seafood in it didn't seem very fresh like I expect just ok. The others in our party who all ordered steak seemed to enjoy their entrees. I tried my brothers rack of lamb which was pretty good. A few people had that steak frites and said it was pretty good but at that price tag we all agreed we would much rather go to les Halle's where the steak frites is awesome! I know this place has a good reputation for brunch so I won't squash it completely but next time I need a dinner spot in the yea it won't be here.
(2)
sairah r.
What terrible service! I had lunch there today and actually had to get up and walk in to finish my meal off. Asked to talk to manager and that was too slow!
(1)
Rich B.
Reservation times are tough. Need to come back to give it more stars.
(3)
Ryan M.
Okay look. Be warned. If you come here for weekend brunch you are going to wait for a table. If you are the kind of person intent on knocking a star of the review because you had to wait 30-45 minutes for your table, then you probably should skip this place all together. If you want a damn good brunch with great menu offerings (Pumpkin Waffle with Sour Cream, Ricotta Lemon Pancakes, Almond crusted French Toast, fantastic eggs), amazing baked goods selections, personal pitchers of iced coffee, and middle of the road prices that don't break your wallet, then saddle up. Is this going to be the bestest brunch ever after your wait? No. But it's really good and people knocking this place because they really hate to wait (but did anyway) is misguided.
(4)
Randy S.
Pumpkin waffles with the sour cream are my favorite. Not worth waiting in line on a busy Sunday brunch day, but if you have time to go during the week, when its less crowded, definitely worth the stop!
(4)
Jackee K.
"Um, is the eggs benedict supposed to come with a salad?" Yes, it is. I don't understand why they felt the need to give me a salad, but the eggs were good. Except the second day I went to have the eggs benedict my poached eggs were way too runny. Gross.
(3)
Matthew H.
Sarabeth's is known for their jellies/jams (see photo by Nicole F). They are sold in your finer supermarkets (Fairway, etc.). I am not a jam fiend, but what I tasted was good. And one of my dining companions was almost ready to lick the strawberry jam out of it's serving container. We arrived on the early side (9:30) and had a brief wait (they take reservations, but they didn't have anything after 8:30). Once seated, our server checked on us and our coffee several times. As we left, the wait was at least 45 minutes, with people and strollers littering the sidewalk outside. Being a fan of menu specials, when the waitress said, "crabcakes benedict", I was sold. The eggs were poached to perfection and the crabcakes had a nice serving of actual meat. Alongside this was a great salad. Sarabeth's has definitely joined the list for good brunch places on the UPWS, I'll be back.
(4)
Jelly B.
Anyone who knows me would know I absolutely LOVE, LOVE brunch, and I just HAD to try this place. I just finished the Scotland 10K in the nearby Central Park this morning, and I was hungry for some good grub. My friend highly recommended this place, and we decided to let me try it for the first time. They told us it would be twenty minutes wait, and we decided to stay (obviously). Within 5 minutes, opposed to their estimation of 20, we were seated, by their windows. For those who enjoy the view of upper west side NYC scenery, there are seatings outside as well. But today was cold - about 35 degrees; I wanted to stay indoors. They started us with coffees, as I looked at their menu. I read on many reviews to try their French Toast and Pancakes, but I am not a big fan of sweet breakfast, so I chose their Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. And I am so glad I did. It was an absolute gorgeous sight to see, two poached eggs sitting on top of English muffins and soaked in hollandaise sauce. There is also a small garden salad on the side. I almost couldn't eat it because it was just too beautiful to touch, but I devoured that thing in seconds. YUM, YUM. My friend ordered their Fat and Fluffy French Toast, which was amazing as well. It comes with three slices of French Toast, sprinkled with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries and bananas. And on the side, maple syrup and butter. He also ordered a side of Pork and Apricot Breakfast Sausage (for $8 though ..). The sausages were nothing special, but that apricot marmalade .. DELICIOUS. Our bill came out to be about $60+, tips and tax included. I am used to cheap and good eats, but I still did not mind paying for the quality grub I had eaten. Though I have to say .. you would not find coffee on their menu, and they make you feel like the coffee is free because they pour it for you with their prepared cups in front of you. ($4 for a cup of regular black joe, hmm ..) Overall, I had a great experience here, and I would definitely come back here to try some of their other dishes.
(5)
Jarrod R.
I came here with my daughter to meet my brother back from Afghanistan on R&R and a family friend. I was in town to doing a tour of NYU with my daughter. This was my first time eating here. The atmosphere was the quaint and cozy like so many places in NY. The waitress was sweet young lady and seemed new. Always had a smile on her face and was delightful. I started off with a half bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, it was not back and not overly oaky. I reviewed the menu and was interested in multiple dinner dishes. I decided on the Sauteed Floridian Red Snapper served over a saffron-jasmine rice pilaf with mango salsa. The snapper was done perfectly and was flaky and moist. There was no fishy taste what so ever and just melted into my taste buds. Jasmine rice was seasoned and tasty. The contrasting mango salsa complimented the fish in the rice. The diced red onion in the salsa added a slight offset to the sweetness of the mango. Being so tasty on the first bites I had to share with everyone. We were instantly all sharing are meals with each other. My brother order the Roasted Lamb Shank and it was tender and had a savory flavor from the port sauce. My daughter order a burger, done medium well with some fries. The burger was moist and juicy with the nice grilled flavor. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft inside. Our family friend order the Flat Iron Frites special and the meat was tender and flavorful. The green peppercorn sauce on the frites was okay but seemed just average... not up to how all the other dishes tasted. I would definitely recommend this place to others. I look forward to going again with my daughter attending NYU in the fall. Happy Eating y'all!
(5)
Monique R.
Still good. After moving from NYC 11 years ago, I was happy to see my old favorite still going strong and was excited to share the experience with my family and friends. The food was delicious, however the service was lacking. An awful lot of un-attentive bodies floating around the place. Sarabeth's could probably cut their prices considerably by eliminating the "deadwood" and keeping the worthy staff. All in all, a nice meal, with great food, but a less-than-rosy-glow for the price.
(3)
Sarah H.
Solid breakfast. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes. Good. $15 good? Probably not. I'd come back here again if I were in the mood for some fancy brunching, but I certainly wouldn't wait for more than 15 minutes, and I probably won't be a regular.
(3)
Nicole C.
First found Sarabeth's in Key West, FL last year and fell in love with the tomato soup. First time to Sarabeth's in NY's UWS and the soup, food and service was just as great as we had in Key West. Two of our party had the Prix Fixe lobster dish and I don't think either of them said a word once they started to eat...I had the Prix Fixe with the chicken breast and Our other party member had the steak frites. Such a great meal for the price...especially in NY. A definite place we will all return to. So glad we found it.
(4)
Michael T.
Great brunch spot! A little expensive. The hundreds of reviews will confirm this. However, it was a sauna the day I was there for a Sunday brunch, there was a screaming baby at the next table, and I witnessed the hostess almost pick a fight with a customer who she thought was stealing a table - the customer was just saying hello to some friends.
(4)
Joanne L.
This place is way over-hyped. We came for breakfast on a weekday so there was no wait. They serve breakfast until 3:30, which is awesome, since most places don't on weekdays. My boyfriend and I each ordered coffee and we both agree that the coffee tasted burnt...apparently that's just the type of bean they use...not a fan. I ordered the buttermilk pancakes and my boyfriend ordered the farmer's omelette with a berry-corn muffin. The pancakes were alright-light and airy, but nothing special. The omelette was pretty good-very fluffy. The muffin was not as good as I expected, especially since they are known for their muffins and pastries. The service was a bit slow, considering the restaurant was half empty. Overall, this place was nothing special.
(3)
Lily B.
Hit or miss... Some times the service and noise is horrible. I know they don't have a gluten free menu but I've checked with chef and gotten 3 entrees - shrimp risotto, lamb and chicken. Ive gotten minor gluten poisoned each time. Very disappointing. It is worth it for brunch though. Worth a check out. Wish they would be more consistent with wait staff and accommodating food allergies.
(3)
Stef S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. The wait for a table for two wasn't that bad. The farmer's omelette and the lemon ricotta pancakes were delicious! Portions are filling but not huge. The strawberry mimosa that I ordered (can't remember what it was called) was the best part of my meal, to be honest. On the expensive side of brunch but totally worth the trip.
(4)
Nicole S.
OK so here goes my first Yelp review!!! Perhaps 5 stars is a bit exaggerate but I'm a big fan of customer service and everyone at Sarabeths was amazing yesterday. My friend and I had a 3pm reservation but she didn't show up until 3:45 (thanks a lot weekend MTA). The hostess was really nice about it and around 3:30 informed me that since brunch was ending at 4pm she would seat me so at the least part of our order could go in. The waitress was attentive, made suggestions and checked on us a few times. The food was Great! The muffin basket was pretty good, I've definitely had better muffins but the homemade jam more then compensated. The four flowers juice is AMAZING!!! I'm usually not a fan of juice with banana in it but a friend gave me a recommendation so I went for it, and I'm so happy I did. In an attempt to not consume a weeks worth of sugar I passed on the ricotta lemon pancakes and went with the farmers omelette, substituting spinach for the leeks and egg whites. It was delicious, perfect amount of cheese and fillings, although a bit thicker than I prefer but still really good. Having already ordered the muffin basket, we skipped the toast and had a mixed green salad. I think the salad really sealed the deal for me, it complimented the eggs perfectly. Another reason I enjoyed Sarabeths was the fact that we weren't rushed or given attitude for staying an extra hour and a half after finishing our meal. Of course I understand that it was after the brunch rush and it would have been a different story at 12:30. However, I've been to plenty of places that give you attitude if you stay too long when the place is empty. Great food and amazing customer service is worth 5 stars in my book. Yes this is probably one of the more expensive brunches I've paid for but, you get what you pay for and I was more than satisfied with this splurge.
(5)
Linda B.
Ok food, terrible service. I got curdled cream for my coffee, then the waiter screwed up our order and only brought one of our two breakfasts! Also didn't ask us for our choice of bread and simply brought toast, rather than letting us pick a yummy muffin or scone. Kids' portions are very tiny-- we had to feed our average appetite children half of our food after they finished all of theirs. The food we got was good, but disappointing experience with too many mishaps.
(2)
Yariv S.
Lets get the first thing out of the way..the 4 flower mimosa definitely saved the day. Probably the best mimosa I have ever had in my life. Otherwise, 30 minute wait to sit, food took about an hour and 15 minutes to arrive at table (after an apology of a kitchen "mix-up"), they did bring complimentary muffins while we waited for our food which was nice. The muffins were quite tasty. When food arrived I was disappointed to see that my eggs were cold. However the manager was very friendly and made sure I got a new order right away and did comp my plate. My girlfriends almond french toast was very good. All in all the experience as a whole was rather disappointing, and was quite expensive even with the free eggs. Next time I will be more patient and wait in line for "good enough to eat" up the block.
(3)
Shirley N.
Came for breakfast on a weekday the other day while vacationing in the Big Apple. Able to walk right in and secure a table for two. Per AAA review in my tour book both the pumpkin waffles and the Popeye Eggs were good choices so of course we ordered those two including a basket of muffins. Pumpkin waffles - hubby gave it a 5. Basket of fresh muffins - we both gave a 5. Came with various muffins and a very buttery croissant. And the famous jam/jelly. Popeye Eggs - very disappointing. Between 1-2 stars. I almost wanted to send it back. A big slab of dense scrambled eggs or more like an omelet across 2 English muffins with a thin slice of ham across both and spinach on the side. This was no way what I saw in a magazine article posted on the wall down in the basement. If you order the Popeye Eggs, I would ask for sunny side up or poached llike Eggs Benedict. Or order something else. Fortunately we started with the basket of muffins so my dining experience was saved. And took two in a doggie bag and ate later. Still yummy. And jam included!
(3)
Stephanie H.
A little too overpriced for such average food. The wait on the weekends are also pretty bad. I got their grilled cheese and soup and it was nothing special. The food also took a long time to come out. The brunch menu is also okay but I would gather go to another place for amazing food than go back here.
(2)
Meredith R.
Sarabeth's was a great place for me to catch up with very old friends. We got seated in a corner table by the door; great people watching outside and an all-around cozy atmosphere in general. Our server was delightful and unintrusive; he let us be but was great when we needed him. I ordered a farmer's omelette and it was delicious; very fresh which means something coming from a San Franciscan. The pumpkin muffin on the side was very good though I wish it weren't as dry as it seemed. I still at every last morsel of it, though. They also have really good coffee. Thanks for a lovely weekday brunch, Sarabeth's.
(4)
Lincoln H.
This is a brunch place for sure. Dinner, however... Rather disappointing. My girlfriend got the mussels and they were flavorless. My salad was bland and we can make more flavorful asparagus at home. Like I said, brunch is great.
(3)
Erica U.
Staff was great in seating me and saying goodbye as i left. I ordered the country scramble with tea and toast and though it sounds plain, it was really good. My friend ordered the ricotta pancakes which I didn't try, but was gone in minutes so it must've been good. The tea was good and strong and the prices were decent too. Overall - Good meal
(4)
Lynee L.
I've tried this place out twice for brunch. I would say they do sweet items way better than savory items. The french toast is nice. The eggs Benedict is horrible. Couple the so, so food with the exorbitant price and I can only give this place 2-stars. The upside for me is that its in my neighborhood.
(2)
Elizabeth I.
Pros: cute setting, convenient location, delicious preserves, tasty fresh juices Cons: stupidly overpriced brunch, bland omelets, so-so service I'm an avid baker and brunch lover, so I figured an impromptu trip to Sarahbeth's UWS location with the boyfriend would be fun for brunch one day. Our waiter was a bit slow but not to a point of being intolerable; he forgot my juice completely until after we'd already been served, but that was fine. The preserves were delicious as expected; the omelets: tasteless. I've had overpriced small portioned but DELICIOUS brunch food before and am fine with this; however, sadly bland omelets with no taste whatsoever really let us down. In addition the muffin I had was rock hard. Boyfriend's croissant was tasty, though. In short, not what it's built up to be, but I'd come back and try dinner or lunch--the sandwiches looked pretty good.
(2)
Amy R.
Fabulous brunch! Thin, light, ricotta lemon pancakes were memorable. French toast was amazing. Eggs benedict and omelets were perfectly executed. Delicious assortment of scones/muffins in the bread basket - served with fab apricot and mixed-berry jams. Although there was a long line, the wait was not bad at all. Atmosphere was great and our hats are off to the servers for navigating around the line to refill drinks, clear the tables, etc. Such a great experience that we went back the next day for more!
(5)
The Eating A-Hole ..
Everyone's white
(4)
Ian S.
Not worth the wait, not worth the money. The menu is unimaginative, and the food is below average. I really don't get the long lines. There are so many better options around: Cafe Lalo, Barney Greengrass, Machiavelli, Taralucci e Vino, Peacefood cafe (vegan), Pain Quotidien...
(1)
Caitlin B.
Honestly this place is not worth the money. It's ridiculously overpriced for basic food. I came here for brunch on New Year's Day and was sorely disappointed. We got there and the place was packed, a promising sign initially. But it was all downhill once we sat. You sit right on top of the people next to you and hear every word of their conversation and frankly I don't care about the people next to me's "crazy night out". You're so close to the people next to you I didn't realize the waiter was taking the other tables order and not ours. The food is a whole other problem. Me and my friend wanted to split home fries since you're paying 8 DOLLARS for a side. She said it was big enough to share. She must not eat much because it came out on the smallest plate humanly possible. Not only was it not shareable but the fries were bland. On top of that I paid 18 dollars for the most basic turkey sandwich that the Jewish deli near my job makes better for a third of the cost. The chips that came with it were soggy too. If you're going to charge me 18 dollars for a sandwich and chips at least make it fresh. Will not be coming back
(1)
Allison C.
Tasty, overpriced food in a nice Hamptons-esque setting. I'd been to Sarabeth's near Columbus Circle years ago, and this location just last weekend. Both times I left satisfied but a bit underwhelmed given the price. I ordered the almond French toast, with strawberry sauce. It was so dry I needed to supplement every bite with a sip of water. Diner French toast is much better. My boyfriend got the Red Roast omelette, which had some nice flavors but was nothing spectacular. The best dish we ordered was the basket of muffins and preserves. The muffins were good, and the preserves were great. If I went again, I would try the potato waffles with pork apricot sausage. I've seen a few reviews lauding that one. All of the pancake/waffle/french toast dishes were about $16 each. Not worth it. And $4 for a small cup of perfectly average coffee? Get over yourself, Sarabeth's! Their jam is awesome. My advice: pick some up here and then enjoy it on the carb of your choosing, in the comfort of your own home.
(3)
Celine L.
Four Stars behause prices are very high. However, the food is excellent and the service very good. I was seated immediately and had a wonderful homemade pumpkin waffle. The food was simply delicious.
(4)
Michael L.
A nice place to have breakfast/brunch with the family. As stated by many reviewers before me, the lemon ricatta pancakes are probably your safest bet as a first timer. I ordered the Popeye eggs which was scrambled eggs on a english muffin with black forest ham and sauteed spinach. It was decent, but not amazing. Stick with the lemon ricatta pancakes, my dad inhaled it, luckily not before i was able to sneak in a bite. The pancakes are fluffy, light, zesty, and flavorful. I would come back just for these pancakes. The coffee here is also good and goes well with the pancakes. My mom ordered the pumpkin waffles, it wasnt bad as well, but not as good as the pancakes. Will be back for the pancakes.
(4)
John T.
Sarabeth should be embarrassed. They have a pretty good brunch, so I thought I would go there one night for dessert and drinks. The waiter was churly and seemed upset to be in the restaurant. He couldn't wait to get us out of the restaurant, presumably so he could go home as he removed half full dishes. The desserts ranged from just not good (strawberry shortcake) to bad (freezer burned ice cream). The only reason it gets 2 stars instead of negative stars (if that were possible) because their brunch is not bad.
(2)
Sarah H.
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE. Seriously. I paid $25 for a boring, rubbery spinach and goat cheese omelette and a cup of coffee that I could have gotten at a Waffle House for 1/5th of the price. The omelette came with a "scone" that was basically a mass-produced processed bland biscuit with a couple currants thrown in. No flavor whatsoever. It really frustrates me how places like this become famous. Save your money and just go to the continental breakfast at your hotel. Extremely disappointed.
(1)
Brian A.
Who do these people think they are? Such good food, but such lousy atmosphere..a bunch of pretentious divas, both the staff and the patrons. Don't even bother. I'll be staying in LES and Brooklyn for a more down-to-earth experience.
(1)
Rosemarie T.
Came here around 12:30 pm on a Wednesday (4/6/11 to be exact) and was seated immediately. We ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict ($17) & Lemon Ricotta pancakes ($15). The food came out pretty quickly, and they have really good service. The place is also decorated nicely and feels clean. The Eggs Benedict was delicious. The English muffin was thick but still moist and soft. The ham was so good and tasty. There wasn't much hollandaise sauce but it wasn't necessary. There was also a small side salad of mixed greens that came with it. The Lemon Ricotta pancakes came as 5 smaller, thinner pancakes with butter, syrup, and some berries on the side. I had no idea what to expect, but once I had a bite, it was really good! More lemon-y than cheesy, and not sure how they do it, but it works!
(5)
Lacey R.
I'm still not 100% sure that the wait for Sarabeth's is worth it, but luckily this time the rest of our party was running late, so by the time they arrived, our table was ready. Yay! I will say that the food is fantastic. If you don't order the bread/muffin basket with Sarabeth's signature jams, you're out of your goddamn mind. I had amazing waffles with strawberries and banana, and the rest of our party raved about their food as well. Service was spot on, and for a crowded restaurant, you could still hear your own conversations pretty well.
(4)
Jen F.
Sarabeth has a great brunch menu. There are tons of great looking options. You get to choose your type of bread with your order- this can be a berry muffin, croissant, multigrain toast, as well as many other options. My omelette, the green and white, was tasty, although I would try something different next time. If you love fish, the salmon eggs benedict is a must try for you. They also have this mixed berry juice which is phenomenal. It takes like a liquid smoothie. I came here with a pretty large party so that could explain why my food was cold by the time I recieved it. Also, they will not seat you if everyone in your party isn't there which is frustrating if your always-late friend is coming. The place really filled up around 11am so I would try and get here at 10am or so to beat the brunch rush.
(3)
Richard L.
This rating is for the Buttermilk Pancakes only. The service was fine but the food tasted like soft mushy bread. Tasteless. And it was $16.00 with 2 strawberries and 1/2 banana. Order anything else
(2)
Michelle B.
The breakfast food is the best thing on the menu! Skip the muffins, they're kinda dry, but the friendly service & mimosas make for a cute afternoon.
(3)
christopher r.
The menu has several interesting offerings, however the recipes could just use some tweaking. While the ambience, service and preparation was a step above a diner, the flavorings just missed on this one-time visit. (more accurately - 3 1/2 star) Salmon benedict was served on a spongey muffin whereas I prefer a crunchy muffin with nooks and crannies. The hollandaise sauce was bland. I prefer a citrus note to mine. My wife's pumpkin waffle with raisins and pumpkin seeds was a nice twist, on the typical dish, but served with honey it was too heavy. The side of bacon was crispy and fairly lean. I have yet to find a fat floppy strip of bacon in this city. (Please let me know where I can find one if you know!) The four flower juice was a refreshing surprise (orange, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate). Add some rum and you have a delicious daiquiri.
(3)
Monica J.
Lunch review. I came here for lunch on a Tuesday. It was almost full. I had salmon eggs Benedict, which was actually disappointing. The eggs were on the hard side. Egg york didn't come out when I cut the eggs. I'm also not a fan of the soft bread under the eggs. We had a reservation, so there was no problem to get in. The service was ok. I don't think I'll come back.
(2)
Vishal A.
Certainly one of the best brunch menu in the city...my usual pick is the potato waffle with chicken apple sausage which is amazing. Not cheap, but not expensive either for brunch in UWS...great coffee too.
(5)
Dan T.
The lines can get ridiculously long for weekend brunch, but the food is good. Worth an extended, mind-numbing wait? Probably not. But if it's just 15-20 minutes, I'd stick around. You will be greeted by omelettes of generous proportions. Soft and never over cooked, even the plain omelette is enjoyable (but still lacking considering all the other toothsome possibilities at your fingertips!). It's always the ham that turns me off in an eggs benedict, so the salmon eggs benny is the best of all worlds in my books. In addition to the usual goodness of a nicely done Hollandaise sauce and savoury smoked salmon, the English muffin upon which both are perched is thick but still fluffy enough to easily give way to each bite. I like the fact that you can choose from so many different kinds of starches to accompany your eggs. Can't say that I would choose one over the other, but most of our table was licking the preserves off the plate. In case you were wondering how apples and apricots fit in with the breakfast sausages, they technically don't - the sausages are served ON TOP of apple or apricot preserves. I would definitely opt for the juicier and more savoury pork sausage over chicken. The Four Flowers Mimosa (orange, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate) is a nice change from your typical mimosa, but what I really like is the fact that they serve you an additional small carafe of the juice plus the remainder of the champagne bottle so that you have enough for more than just one flute-full of mimosa. Makes you actually feel like you are getting your $9 worth!
(3)
Bea B.
Anytime after ten o'clock in the morning on the weekends and you're in it for the long haul. The wait for a table becomes long fairly fast. The early bird gets the yummy pumpkin muffin with ample butter (salted) and jam usually without so much as a minute's wait. Yippie! The breakfasts, thus far, do not disappoint. The ingredients taste fresh and the presentation is always appealing. I'm a fan of the Farmer's omelet which, if I recall correctly, is made with Gruyere, leeks, and bacon. With the omelet one has a choice of corn, pumpkin, bran, really rockin' english muffin (looks homemade), or one other type of muffin that escapes me. Also rad: they serve the coffee (kinda expensive, but it's hot, good and strong) with real cream, if one requests it. Aside from serving quality food, this place is tastefully decorated and nicely staffed. Go to Sarabeth's!
(4)
Doreen L.
My experience here was mediocre. My husband and I came here for dinner and I ordered the crab cake sandwich and my husband had the sirloin burger. The burger was not salted, and the burger did not have enough fat. The burger was so dry and bland, we vowed never to order that again. The crab cake was ok. It was well seasoned and crab cake had a good consistency to it. This was not a life changing experience though. I have been the sarabeth's central park south and I have experienced their brunch menu. I would stick to breakfast, lunch and brunch.
came here for brunch. very cute decor and a popular neighborhood restaurant. it was already packed by the time we got there and it was only an hour after they opened. food: pumpkin waffles - i wish there was just a tad more pumpkin, but i still loved it. with the raisins and the honey, it was such a delicious combo. almond crusted french toasted. Holy smokes people! this is the thing to order if you like sweet breakfast! the strawberry reduction was perfect - not overly sweet and artificial tasting like some places do it. yummmm! would totally go back and order this over and over again! classic eggs benedict. cant go wrong with this. eggs cooked perfectly with the runny yokes and great hollandaise sauce. some kind of omelet.. it looked too healthy so i didnt try it, but my friend said it was good. filled with lots of veggies inside. and the jam with the bread was homemade and full of deliciousness. chicken apple sausages. LOVED them. came on a bed of some more homemade jam. yum. i got one of the fresh juices that mixed like 4 diff fruits. wasn't a HUGE fan of it. the consistency was too thick, similar to a smoothie. i wanted juice, not a smoothie. but the flavor was good and it wasnt too sweet. great service. good solid food. yummies.
(4)
Carlos R.
Sweet Benedict plate Great farmers omelette Freshly squeezed oh jay
(4)
David L.
For dinner, they are usually quiet and food is always of high quality. Not a problem getting in at night. Their prix fixe is not a bad deal. I have had breakfast in the downtown location, and very much enjoyed it, just do not want to endure the wait.
(4)
Judith R.
Went for coffee and a snack around 6:30pm on a Sat... the hostess was so nice. Seated promptly, good recommendations for food, excellent service. As expected...again!
(5)
Angela C.
Come by 10am on the weekends or you could be waiting in line for awhile! This place is so cozy and cute, kinda like grandma's house with a modern twist. My sister and I shared a garden omelet and the lemon ricotta pancakes. The garden omelet was one of the best I've had. Instead of eggs with stuff folded inside, it's more like a frittata where the veggies and cheese were embedded in the eggs. The lemon ricotta pancakes - soo good. Normally I don't even like lemon flavored desserts/pastries/etc. They're thin and light - not too doughy with a unique texture and beautifully presented with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. My only wish was that there was more of it - they give you a thin stack of 5. These pancakes are perfect, you gotta try!
(4)
Meru B.
I actually liked Sarabeth's a lot. I'm generally not in the market for food this pricey (it's not actually that pricey, but 15-25 bucks for entrees isn't daily fare for me), but this strikes me as the kind of place I'm happy to be on the days when I'm happy to pay that much. A nice ambiance, solid food, and friendly waiters made both of my experiences here quite enjoyable. Will definitely go again.
(5)
Laura K.
Homemade jam, simple delicious dishes that taste farm fresh. Definitely a favorite for brunch, although I wish they took reservations.
(5)
Vishal D.
Great Brunch!!! The drinks were awesome...my wife loved her Adult Hot Chocolate! We were a party of 4 and were seated after about a 30 mins wait...but well worth it! Everyone really enjoyed their drinks and meals.
(4)
Beth W.
The reviews caused me to hesitate going to this place for breakfast today. Just in case the reviews were correct, I gave myself plenty of time as the reviews said the service was very slow and almost neglectful. Imagine my surprise when the service was very prompt and pleasant. I don't know if the staff has changed: I do know the level of service I experienced was not reflected of previous reviews. My coffee cup was never empty and my food arrived promptly. Now for the food. I ordered the garden omelet which was fresh and the eggs cooked well. My muffin was dry and that is the reason I rated this restaurant 4 instead of 5 stars.
(4)
Rin R.
Good food. Friendly atmosphere. If you have the option to choose a pastry with your meal, the pumpkin muffin is awesome.
(4)
Shauna S.
I love this place! Went there multiple times when I lived in Manhattan five years ago. Over this past weekend I went back and it was still just as good as I remember! I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Fun vibe. Make sure to get a table by the window or on the patio during the summer!
(5)
Cassandra S.
I was not excited to wait 45 mins so I was relieved when it turned out to be more like 20. The food delivered though. My omelette was very good and the homemade english muffin was great. It's standard inflated Manhattan brunch pricing, but I am willing to let that slide if the food is good - and it was. I would definitely come back and order some of the other dishes as well. No complaints from me, but since there was really no *wow* factor, I'm giving it 4-stars.
(4)
Yoonah L.
Had the goldie-lox omelette. Tasted goood. Small & cute spot. Crowd seemed more local, so no tourist/ ridiculous 2-hour waits.
(4)
Dee S.
Went to Sarabeth's on Valentine's weekend and loved it! The eggs were perfectly done, and the bacon was delicious. The oatmeal looked amazing, I am going to try that or the pancakes next time. Had a great time with the boyfriend, brother, his girflfriend, and my sister.
(5)
Kelly I.
My husband and I have been for dinner twice. Great service, Delicious food and a cute homey atmosphere.
(5)
Amanda B.
ambiance: wow, this place can actually compete with chinese places in level of noise. people talk, and somehow the physics in here augment the voices and by the time you leave, you realize you're grown a little bit deaf. decor: not very pretty lighting, relatively awkward layout, friend says it felt like a diner. paintings don't really match. too much going on, confused about the image they're trying to build. food: "meh", exactly. service: smiley hostesses, regular waiters who are less caring than the hostesses. price: with "meh" food, well, let's just say that i've had better with cheaper prices. scenario: it is sunday at 2:30pm. we get in line, wait for 20mins to get seats. we get iced tea (comes in a cute jar, but completely unexpected presentation due to comparison with decor), coffee(re-fill-able), and coke. than we share some apple sauce chicken sausages, get the pancakes with strawberries and bananas (bananas were out, so we get extra strawberries, but the "extra" was really... none existent), and salmon egg benedict. the presentation of the food was very diner. i didn't know that this place was a diner. anyway, the food was alright, completely meh. due to my heaped up anticipation from bookmarking this place since a good 2-3yrs ago, and now to find out that it is only MEH. i will rightly give it 2 stars and predict that i probably won't revisit again.
(2)
Elizabeth B.
Love Sarabeth's for brunch, but the West side location is small and you end up waiting for 30 minutes or more for a table for 2. Lemon ricotta pancakes and omlettes are great. Jam is the highlight of the meal! The drinks look great if you're a drink-with-brunch kind of person, especially the bloody mary, which may as well be served in a small bucket for how big it is.
(5)
michelle k.
i love brunch and i was quite impressed with Sarabeth's. honestly, i wasn't expecting much b/c when a business starts to pick up the quality seems to decrease. not the case. i had the eggs benedict. eggs were poached perfectly and everything was fresh. i actually went on a weekend during brunch and we only waited 15 mins! impressive.
(5)
Tassamai s.
Brunch is served until 4pm SCORE! So the place was not packed at all so we got seated quickly. I looked over the menu and I thought I wanted something savory, so I got the potato pancakes with apple chicken sausage and apple chutney. My friend got the lemon ricotta pancakes. While we were waiting for our food I finished my coffee and wanted more but it took a while for me to get a refill strike one. I got my breakfast and it looked good. I cut into the waffles... bland. I tasted the apple chicken sausage... is it supposed to taste sour? strike two. Unfortunately google couldn't tell me how apple sausage was supposed to taste. I tried it with the apple chutney and it was too sweet. I tried it with the syrup and all it tasted like was waffles and syrup the only thing it was okay with was sour cream. I think i wanted it to be more savory, i was talking to my friend to figure out how to make it to my taste? Maybe adding bacon in the batter? Well off my breakfast... the lemon ricotta pancakes are slamalacking! HOLY COW! I wanted to distract my friend and steal her breakfast. I just gave her the evil eye while I ate my bland waffles. Oh... 2 coffees = $7.50??!?!?!?!?!? and our waiter only came back to get his tip. BOOO strike three... you're out!
(2)
Dave S.
Wife and I were on a trip to NYC a couple weekends ago, decided to check this place out what with all the buzz around it. Got a reservation but turned out not to need it, even though it was Saturday morning, our touristy butts were up before the post-party crowd started trickling in. Wife had the salmon benedict, which was pretty damn good. I had a veggie omelette with a pumpkin muffin. Omelette was alright, but I should have gotten the pancakes I think. As a rule I am always disappointed by brunch food anywhere I go because I have such high standards for egg preparation (as I consider the egg to be a perfect food that should be treated as such). That pumpkin muffin, though - damn I almost wet my pants. A little bit of preserves and butter on that thing and I was good to go. Seriously. Service was friendly, and we had a grand old time eavesdropping on the grouchy old ladies with the heavy Jersey accents sitting next to us on the bench-style seating in the back. If I lived in the City, I'm sure I'd be back.
(4)
Jaime B.
Was totally disappointed! This place did not live up to the hype. Pancakes had no chutspha, nothing to them! Our omlette came out with the wrong ingredients and their strawberry butter and jam was mediocre. The service however was spot on. I swear the coffee pot was surgically attached to our waitresses hand. The best part if the meal was sharing it with my boyfriend.
(2)
Ernest S.
This place was so good, I came here twice in one week when visiting the city. The lemon ricotta pancakes were really good - so good, it inspired me to try to cook another lemon ricotta dish (i.e., lemon ricotta pasta), which I'll never do ever again.
(4)
Hideki A.
Everything went fine until the end that my bill is automatically applied with 18% tips in the circumstance that my party size is only 1. food is fine. but i got thirsty hours after the meal.
(2)
Madeline M.
Came here with my sis after Yelping it. I ordered the eggs with salmon and cream cheese with a corn muffin. Sis ordered a veggie omelette with a pumpkin muffin. I was going to order the French toast, but after what I'd been eating since I arrived, felt it was better to order something with protein. I wasn't disappointed. My eggs were fluffy and the salmon was quite yummy.
(5)
Jean L.
It's definitely a popular brunch spot with good food but not sure if it's worth waiting for 30 to 60 minutes for. The salmon egg benedict and potato waffle with chicken apple sausage was good.
(3)
Deanna L.
This place is packed on Sundays for brunch. The wait wasn't too long and we were seated in 15 - 20 minutes. Food is very decent for brunch. I had the french toast which was great with almonds and berries. You get your money's worth!
(3)
Gene E.
OMG...the food here is so good. It's pricey for sure, but everything is SPECTACULAR and the service is great.
(5)
Chris N.
Excellent brunch, but a very long wait.
(4)
Michelle R.
I had my first Sarabeth's experience on Saturday. I wanted somewhere I've never been before, fantastic sweet breakfast food (I gave up sweets for Lent.... oh the horror!), and a place where it's worth it for a friend of mine to travel an hour to get to. Luckily, we only had to wait 20 min and the weather was great. We sat down and perused the menu, I zeroed in on the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or the Almond-Crusted French Toast. My Jersey (by way of Cali, he'd be offended if I didn't mention that) Friend got the latter and we shared. I loved the pancakes, 4 rounds of soft fluffiness where the griddle was heated at just the right temperature to make it golden. I was moist and lemony, they weren't too sweet. I just wanted to package them in my purse and save it... like Napoleon Dynamite w/ plastic wrap. As for the Almond-Crusted goodness, the slices were thick and dense with egg, which was perfect to hold the slight batter. It was crispy from both the batter and the almonds, drizzled with raspberry syrup. In the end, he said it was worth the hour of travel to eat there.
(5)
Natalie W.
I always take out of town guests to this establishment for the following reasons: 1. It's close to my house 2. The decor is nice-white table clothes, silverware, etc. (very old school) 3. The food is really good for the price I feel like there are a lot of places I could spend $18 on pot pie, but Sarabeth's will have the nicest ambiance of them all. Also, their soda's are so large you don't even need a refill. Loved the bread in the basket and thought the chicken salad sandwich was fantastic, if not a little dry.
(4)
Joule V.
Waited one hour out in the cold for this brunch! But we enjoyed it. The muffin basket was filled with goodies, and the apricot and strawberry preserves were delicious. I enjoyed my frittata and croissant, and the coffee was great with real cream. A cute little place to eat breakfast!
(4)
Miguel d.
The coffee was pretty much nonstop, and the amount of food that we ordered for the three of us looked like plates on top of plates on top of more plates. The juices are superb (but better as mimosas), the atmosphere a little prosaic (think hotel lobby meets grandma's decorating sense), and the service rushed because they're so busy. Those are all good signs. Hint: get yourself there early, or if you can, send a scout for a name placement. The rest of the group arrived and in a mere five minute wait we were seated. There are definitely a few things to try, but considering that Sarabeth's is known for the pastries, stick to the sweet stuff. French toast and company make a splash, but occasional trips to the savory side, like the omelets and side items like the chicken apple sausage doused in apple butter, are worth the deviation. The crowd becomes staggering past eleven, so like I said, get there early or wait. You'll see some irate and frustrated Upper West Siders trying to get a table and being driven out of their minds because the wait quote has the word "hour" in it. There are plenty of other options on the block, but you really do want this French toast.
(4)
The J.
Go. Bring someone you like. Stick it out for the 30 minute wait. Sit in a cute little restaurant. Eat Yummy food for brunch. Feel full and satisfied. Tell everyone you went to Sarabeth's West and you loved it. Definitely try the lemon ricotta pancakes (mmmmmmm!). I tasted the fritatta with bacon and goat cheese + other stuff (mmmmm!) I've heard the farmer's omlette is also yummy (kinda the same as the fritatta) also get a side order of the chicken sausage with the apple or apricot sauce-- So good! Why are you still reading this-- GO!
(5)
Nancy H.
Aw, this brunch place is exactly what a NY brunch place looks like in my imagination. It's super cute, bright, and cozy. They sell jars of jam and preserves. But the wait is crazy on the weekends! But so is every other brunch place down this street! Be prepared in the winter b/c there isn't much room inside to wait; you'll be waiting outside in the cold! I hear their warm drinks (in the winter) are a specialty.
(5)
Devin H.
Sure, the food was really tasty... but it was expensive. The coffee is really overpriced and the entrees are not competitive. As much as I thought everything was delightful to the palate, it was simply nothing to write home about. The wait was also very long, but I guess it's what I get for going with a five-some on Father's Day.
(3)
Jason J.
Brunch at Sarabeth's West is a decidedly sedate and serene affair, and that's exactly what they're going for. The service is excellent and the dishes are good and somewhat more creative than typical brunch fare, but not by much. It does a standard array of omelets and pancakes/waffles with really good jam. A very solid choice if you're okay with traditional.
(4)
Colleen L.
I have finally been to Sarabeth's, the staple of Upper Manhattan brunch. Hooray! I have to say I have mixed feelings about it now that I've been... the food was great, but the atmosphere was, well, not my typical scene. The baby blue & white interior with lots of wood paneling made me feel like I was in Cape Cod or something, but the overcrowded seating area felt a little bit like a chain. The menu is huge, but it left me with some questions (like: what is this weird juice that people are paying so much for?) which is part of why we over-ordered. We were also cold and wet and starving, so that probably also had something to do with it. The muffins were good but not all they were cracked up to be. I'd recommend getting one on the side for $2.25 (not listed on the menu) instead of the basket. The lemon ricotta pancakes were great at first, but as they cooled they lost their fluffy zeal. I was really happy with the Popeye's Eggs, and I think the "English muffin" that it came on would have been my favorite part of the meal... however, that crown was stolen by the pork & apricot sausages, which come on a bed of apricot jam. They were phenomenally delicious. The Bloody Mary was also large and really tasty, and came with lots of fun things in it. I also have to say that everything was very nicely presented - I spotted a sandwich across the room cut into quarters with a spray of fries coming out of the middle, very cute. Despite all of the deliciousness, I probably won't be rushing back - however, the Sarabeth's Bakery in Chelsea Market might make it into regular rotation.
(3)
JP G.
It's sad that this place falls into the category of overrated by many. Fact remains that every weekend, basically, there are lines out the door of droves of people waiting to eat here. Their brunch is classic, and it's not going anywhere. I gets the attraction of the many tourists out there, along with newbies to the neighborhood wanting to dine at the "best brunch spot." I've found it hard lately that it stands up as the "best." But I'll give it this: It's damn good.
(3)
Alan R.
Their incredible shrinking pancakes continue to shrink each time I come here. After years-or should I say decades-of coming here, its time to move on and leave it to the hordes of tourists that seem to inhabit it every time we come here.
(2)
Mary G.
We had a lovely breakfast in this very popular cafe. Friendly servers and fresh food. Their toasted granola with fruit is quite good. I want to come back to try other items, especially the baked goods and the jams / jellies.
(4)
Kay I.
This place was alright. Waited 30-45 minutes even though the lady said 20. Brunch in New York Saturday morning is like the Barney's annual sale, calm down kids. The food was alright, nothing spectacular. Ambivalent as to whether I would come here again if I weren't in the area. Had the chicken sausage, farmer's omelette, both were okay. Service was decent, had some good eye-candy to scope out in the periphery but ambivalent about the overall experience.
(3)
Claire Y.
Each time I go here, I always end up choosing the banana brioche french toast. Sure, there are a ton of other goodies (e.g. omelettes) on the menu, but there's something about this french toast that gets me weak in the knees. I also enjoy a long afternoon tea hour (or two) here with my girl friends. It's too bad that we don't live nearby, but when the weather is fair and we're up for some strolling, we'll make the trek to Sarabeth's for yet another quintessential UWS brunch or tea.
(4)
Kat C.
We had a party of 6 eating at 10am on a Sunday morning. Nicole our server made our experience brunching alcohol free with two toddlers a pleasant experience. I am so grateful. Nothing was too much trouble and we all felt In fact all the staff were very friendly and helpful. I haven't been to this location before and found it much smaller than others in their group. It was still decorated in a classic fresh style. Ordered at our table was Eggs Benedict, Garden Omelette and French Toast. All were very well presented and tasted delicious. The coffee was great. Would return at a different time to try lunch or dinner menu.
(4)
Christine F.
First place I ate at in NYC on a recent trip. Their pancakes were delish. We got right in--didn't have to wait. Probably one of my favorite places we ate on our trip.
(5)
Kellee M.
Loved the lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict and four flowers juice! Beautiful atmosphere inside, too. A little spendy...
(4)
Danny S.
Horrible horrible horrible!! Just had brunch!! You think if you pay top dollar the food and service would match!! Don't expect that !! I felt like I was in a Chinese buffet.. They first messed up our order that was fine but then ignored the table the entire meal .. I practically had to beg for water and a napkin... When the food came - I has a salmon Benedict it was cold and horrible!! Stay away! However the manager was awesome and she comped the meal and even payed for the drinks ... So maybe it was just an off day day for them cause the atmosphere was nice.
(1)
Annie S.
I thought this place would be amazing, but it honestly wasn't that special. I ordered the Garden Omelette with a pumpkin muffin. Omelette was good but muffin was dry and crumbly. Maybe it's just me, but I like my muffins to be moist and soft. I did like the atmosphere though.
(2)
mike l.
Ok but not great , I had the lobster roll and it was so chewy it was like chewing gum , in NYC there are so many better places why would you go here?
(2)
M W.
Good service, very delicious almond crusted French toast. The almond crusted French toast is only available on the weekends.
(4)
Jonathan G.
Overpriced and a little condescending? Sure. But they have a coconut waffle that will make you forget the look they gave you when you walked in. This waffle is juiced from Indonesian coconuts and the milk is flown in every morning via carrier hawk right to your table. At least it should be since it costs $16.50 for the one, very large, plate-sized waffle. There were three of us who shared this as an extra breakfast item and I don't want to bring up any unsightly incidents, but there may have been a fork fight over the last bite - ugly scene all around. I found the service to be swift and courteous. It should be when delivering the Goldie Lox (scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese) for $16.50. At least this has salmon in it...as well as Amish cream cheese hand churned and delivered via horse and buggy every morning. You get where this is going, right? Although I wax on and on about the high prices, they aren't really astronomical for NYC. Also, I would get each of these dishes again in a second. I would just hold my eyes closed while I signed the credit card receipt.
(4)
Andrew F.
Food was pretty delightful, but got dull past the halfway mark. The service was friendly, but only moderately dependable. The product is good, but over-priced for what it is [as is majority of the things in NY]. The lady and I wanted some breakfast whilst visiting a friend, so I looked to my trustee reference book [aka YELP!] and looked up Sarabeth's. The pictures of the food looked like this place made the best food around. Being big fans of American breakfasts, we were down for this place. We walk in and were promptly seated. After surveying the menus, she orders the smoked salmon scramble while I get the Popeye Eggs. The food took around 15 minutes to arrive, but we both had to use the restroom separately, so it gave each of us time to conduct our business, as well as read the nice article they have printed, written by Sarabeth on how she became successful [located downstairs next to the restrooms] When the food arrived, I was initially disheartened, thinking that my eggs would be poached.. but, looking back at the menu, for sure, it said scrambled. Same reaction cam from my wife. But one bite into her food, she was happy. The cream cheese, semi=melty, was dreamy with the smoke salmon and eggs. For my Popeye eggs, the 'English Muffin' as they called it, was super delightful. The eggs were cooked about 30 secs too long for my own personal liking, but the food was still delicious. One thing that made this place unattractive to me was when there was a customer [I think she was Japanese], requested for something multiple times and was even blown off by one of the waitresses one of those times. I think she was asking for ranch dressing? I think she had to ask 4 times for it - didn't stay long enough to see if she actually got it. Our waters were filled regularly and tables were being turned over at a rapid pace. As mentioned previously, though the food was good, halfway through our meals, we both kind of lost steam and lost desire to eat the food. Not that it wasn't good, just that, the wow factor was lost around half way. Complimentary with the smoked salmon scramble was a choice of a scone, muffin, toast, or croissant, so we went with Banana muffin. The flavor was there, could have used some walnuts, but it was dry. All in all, the food was good, service was nice [ to us, at least], but the food got uninteresting after a while. Thought it was pricey for what it was, but was glad we stopped by.
(4)
Lauryn C.
This is definitely one of the current hotspots in NYC. I met a friend here for brunch on a recent trip the place was packed but we were able to get a table in about twenty minutes. I was curious what the hype was about this place. Apparently Sarabeth's is known for their muffins. Being that I'm not a huge fan of sweet breakfast food I decided to pass on the muffin, which maybe that was my mistake. It seems that maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. We started with spicy bloody mary's a-ok nothing special though for $14. The menu did have a lot of tasty options and I had a hard time deciding what to order. I went for the spinach and goat cheese omelet. I like that they use all cage free organic eggs and the omelet was one of the fluffiest I've ever seen. But really you should be ordering something sweet here I think given that Sarabeth's started as a jam making business and the owner is a pastry chef the sweeter things seem to be the star items here. The omelet was tasty and came with a side of toast or a famous muffin. My friend ordered the potato waffles with chicken sausage. This dish was very good and inventive. Savory potato waffles with chives served with apple chicken sausage. The plate came with a side of sour cream and fresh apple sauce. It was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Brunch is so popular in NYC and there are just so many choices, of all the places I've eaten before this just wasn't a favorite for me. The quality of the food was excellent and people around me really seemed to enjoy their meals here,
(3)
Faina S.
Love this place! Great for breakfast and lunch!
(5)
Amphitrite W.
Did I mention that having brunch is one of my favorite things to do in NYC? Obviously I had to try Sarabeth's at some point and together with three friends we decided to go there. 1. Reservation issue We had a reservation and were there on time. However, we waited 15 minutes and were standing in the middle of the restaurant in the way of pretty much everybody. I don't mind waiting generally BUT at least one should tell us how long to wait. We had a reservation and we had to be there in time. All of us. If you don't play with their rules you don't get a table. If you are that strict to your customers you should have the same rules for your restaurant. To their defense: they apologized that we had to wait but said that this is normal on a busy day. 2. Seating However, eventually we got our table on the left side next to the bar. Horrible spot!!! It was cold outside and the doors were opened and closed constantly and it was just freezing each time someone wanted to get in or out which was every two to three minutes. But the restaurant itself was pretty. 3. Food Absolutely fantastic. Such a great brunch and so much better than most of the restaurants around. Everything came together and smelled, looked and tasted extremely good. My favorite dish were the CRISP POTATO WAFFLE with chicken & apple sausage, chunky apple butter and sour cream. OMG. That was incredible. Same for all the egg dishes we had. And don't even let me start talking about the raspberry jelly... Obviously, there are some things they should try to improve but as long as the food remains the same this restaurant will always be crowed.
Pretty good, but can be a bit pricey. The chicken pot pie was filling and piping hot. This is one of those placed I'd hit if I were in the area, but I might not seek it out.
(4)
Erica L.
I was unimpressed after all the hype and the long lines I usually see here. To be fair, I didn't have the famed lemon ricotta pancakes. But the chive Gruyere frittata was pretty much flavorless, the crabcake Benedict was overly heavy and almost overcooked, the eggs clearly cooked in some silicone or similar mould. I won't be returning. The service was also slow.
(2)
Jess P.
Came here for brunch and overall wasn't too impressed. I mean...the food was good, don't get me wrong. But for the price and the wait time, I figured I'd be more dazzled by it. I ordered the classic eggs benedict because that is my go-to brunch choice. It was pretty good, but again, I just wanted more from the dish. It tasted good but when I was finished, I wasn't really 'wow-ed' by it. Maybe I need to come back here again and give it another shot before completely write it off, but in my opinion, the city is filled with SO MANY other places for you to get your brunch on (for a cheaper price and at a place where the minimum wait time isn't 30 minutes) On a positive note, the service is good and the decor is very home-y and welcoming :)
(3)
Jaclyn V.
Tomato soup is amazing!!!!!! Great seafood Cobb salad. Service is slow though but worth it
(4)
Jackie R.
Love this place - staff is super duper friendly! It may be a bit pricey, but I think it's worth the food and overall ambience. I've only ever had brunch here but it's always a wonderful meal. Try the four flowers juice, it's refreshingly yumtastic!
(5)
Spence H.
They ran out of Vermouth! Who ever heard of a restaurant running out of Vermouth?
(2)
Omer Q.
My first trip here was many years ago with Shakespeare, yes, that was his name. Sometimes the company can over shadow the real mood of the place, in this case, I may have been wearing rose color glasses. It does amazing for brunch and they do it well but the transformation to dinner is lacking, they tend to drop the ball. This is not uncommon to be good at a brunch setting and not so good for dinner. I try to make it here for brunch every time I visit New York just for the memories.
(3)
Kelly D.
My family and I ate here last week on a trip to NYC. We wanted to get away from a $17 per person breakfast buffet of cold eggs and potatoes at our hotel. This place was well worth the price tag! Although $93 for breakfast is steep, we all walked out of there very satisfied! I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes-wow! Our 14 yr. old son had the French toast with bacon and loved it. Hubby had an omelet and our younger son had the kids' pancakes. Service was fantastic, place was super cute and clean. It is away from the crowds which made it even more worthwhile for me!
(5)
Tanya L.
I came here for brunch couple days ago. It was a lovely meal. They were kinda busy. The place was packed. We had to wait for a table. It was three of us. But actually, it was not that bad for the wait. It was probably less than fifteen minutes. But just to be sure -make a reservation in advance. We ordered pumpkin waffle, spinach & cheese omelet and crab cake egg benedict. They were all yummy and very tasty. I fell in love with the crab cake. My friends both loved what they ordered. We did have a great time at the restaurant. Our server was attentive and helpful. I would definitely go back to try more dishes soon.
(4)
Liana T.
What's not to like? This was our last morning in New York City so we chose Sarabeth before heading to the Museum of Natural History. We ordered garden omelet and Goldie lox eggs. The portions are very generous. (Dishes were even tastier with tabasco sauce.) Scrumptious pumpkin muffin, and English muffin, more like a crumpet, was good too. Rich brewed coffee was filled seamlessly. Server Jenna was quick, friendly and efficient. We had a corner table, perfect for privacy and people watching. Two restrooms, clean and spacious. See framed reviews from 1988!
(5)
Win C.
I have friends raving about this Sarabeth, and unfortunately, I was disappointed. It's definitely OVERPRICED, OVERHYPED, and I had better food. I was visiting an old friend that lived in the area and we ordered the following: 1) 2 glasses of the Four Flower drink - I have to say this was the HIGHLIGHT of my meal. It was delicious (banana, pomegranate, strawberry and pineapples mixed together), however, they only poured us about a quarter of a wine glass. For $6.75, I expected a full glass. 2) My dish - Pumpkin Waffle. The waffle was made fresh with raisin and pumpkin seeds spread over it with a little bit of sour cream and strawberries. They warmed up the maple syrup for me which was nice. But, it wasn't anything out of this world. 3) My friend's dish - Red pepper omelet. The homemade jam and scone was delicious, but the omelet was overcooked. For a $60 brunch, I could have done a lot better. There was barely any service too. This place is MEDIOCRE at best!
(2)
Mia Z.
Everything in this location was spot-on. The decor was cozy, and it made me feel as though I was sitting in someone's home dining room for breakfast. Spacious, clean, and bright. The food was delicious. I opted for the savory goat cheese omelet while my friend had the sweet and fluffy pancakes. We shared and were left wanting more. I knocked off one star for the service, which was a little hurried and forgetful for a typical brunch spot. We asked for certain things a few times before we actually got them, and were left waiting for our check with our waitress nowhere to be found. I know it was a little packed at Sarabeth's but established brunch spots should be able to run a little more smoothly. Definitely give Sarabeth's a try. It's classic brunch, no muss, no fuss and it's all delicious. And whatever you order, get the Four Flowers Mimosa. It's heaven on earth.
(4)
Sean J.
Came here for a late lunch and we ordered the short rib hash and the French toast. The hash was underwhelming and under seasoned. The French toast was on the dry side and disappointing. It was palatable after a heavy pouring of the syrup. The service was not too bad. The one downtown is better b
(3)
Steph S.
I had a craving for lemon ricotta pancakes and the ones from Sarabeth's certainly hit the spot. Not the best I've ever had but very good. The chicken and apple sausage is phenomenal. Food came out fast. Did not find the host to be very helpful when we arrived.
(4)
Amy P.
Came here at 9:30am for brunch and luckily we didn't have to wait at all. I had oatmeals and yogurt and it was really good. Food is decent here. Eggs benedicts are always good and loved their coffee as well.
(4)
Joanna C.
Sarabeth's has been on my list of places to check out for ages and after a friend finally suggested it, I got to check it out this past weekend. We got there at noon and snagged one of the last remaining seats (luckily, this location does not fill up or have as big of a crowd as some of the other ones). I'm normally a savory breakfast person, but given how everyone always talks about Sarabeth's baked goods, decided to branch out and try something sweet. After a long deliberation (long partially because service is not the most attentive), I settled on the Almond-Crusted French Toast. The french toast was pretty good and I loved the flavor of the almonds. The strawberry jam drizzled across the toast was a bit too sweet for my taste and there was more than I needed, but it added a nice touch. Had it been a little later in the afternoon, I think this would have made the perfect dessert. My friend had the Pumpkin Waffle, which had a nice fall flavor about it and was not too sweet. While my mind wasn't blown, I did leave very full (definitely could not finish all of the food). Service was not the most attentive, but it was a beautiful fall day in the Upper West and Sarabeth's is so cute that it was nice to have an undisturbed brunch. Turns out Eggs Benedict is also supposed good here so I will have to return to try it next time!
(3)
Rob L.
Excellent pancakes, too much food if anything. Just round the corner from the Museum of Natural History and makes for a great pre-museum brunch.
(4)
Logan G.
Though the food was in fact delicious, one word sums up this restaurant, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, FABULOUS service. Our server was super friendly and helpful. His name was Mike, and you should absolutely request him to wait on you. The food was very good. I had their steak, which was though small, delectable. For dessert I had a very nice pudding (though it had a foreign name I cannot remember). It was really a very enjoyable night.
(5)
Namir S.
Food: 4.5 Service: 3 I was unimpressed the first time i went to sarabeths (on 59th?). Ordered the garden omelette and it was quite average. This time, I got the crisp potato waffle, which was AMAZING. The waffle, the apple butter, and even the sour cream were phenomenal. The chicken apple sausage was also very good. The hostess wasn't very good: had us down for the wrong number of people, kept changing the time (yes I know that giving wait times is just guessing, but it should at least be consistent guessing). Waitress was friendly and helpful.
(4)
Amy G.
The atmosphere and location were spot on, giving a New England vibe that felt full of class and comfort. The food was remarkable. For brunch, the lemon ricotta pancakes are nothing short of amazing. A great hint of lemon with nice texture. The Morning Glory is also a scrumptious dish. Very filling, fresh fruit, homemade granola, and honey to add on top that has a nice sweet flavor. However, the drinks were over priced. $4.50 for a regular coffee and $5.00 for a cappuccino. The customer service was good, but had to wait a little bit to recover the check. Besides from that, great place to have brunch with friends!
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Good lord, this place is good. I haven't lived on the UWS since 1998, but have recently been in the city on a much more regular basis. And Sarabeth's is a brunch staple. My favorite is the Eggs Benedict; my partner's fave is the green and white. Their ingredients are unbelievably fresh and high quality, you don't mind paying what are higher-end prices for breakfast/brunch. I will say, however, that beverages are particularly over priced, so think before getting, for example, orange juice. Don't get me wrong, it's freshly squeezed and outstanding. But $8 for an OJ, no matter how good, feels a bit much. We finally went there for dinner out of curiosity, and it was just as good if not better. I had the steak frites, with a side of delicious Brussels Sprouts. Other folks had the pot pie and the burger, and every one of us was delighted with what we'd ordered. The servers are always nice, engaged, and willing to talk about the menu -- even when the brunch line extends down the block. You may feel frustrated by the wait, but once you're in, you aren't rushed through your meal at all. Just know that their brunch menu on the weekends is served until 4pm; we went one time later in the afternoon and I was hoping to be able to get a burger, but that wasn't possible because it wasn't late enough. But I ended up having the chicken sandwich and was equally happy. Enjoy!
(4)
Robert C.
Not as good as the one on the upper east side. Took my wife here for a birthday brunch and it was very disappointing. Service was ok and food was not as good as I had it before. Servers and hosts all gathered around the counter chatting away and not paying attention to the floor. When guests came in, they were pointed to a table and not really taken to the table and presented menus. Seemed like they didn't want to stop their conversations. My wife liked her eggs benedict and i did not really like my goldie lox. It was a bit over cooked and not as fluffy as it usually was.
(2)
Theresa N.
Yum. Great location. Salmon Benedict is to die for. Sit outside for a quicker table. A lot if New Yorkers seem to melt outside! :-)
(5)
Alice C.
Delicious. Traditional brunch menu. I love the blueberry pancakes, and the staff is always friendly and attentive. The wait can be long sometimes so we usually opt to sit at the bar.
(5)
Christopher M.
The one good thing about Sarabeth's was the Bloody Mary. We got there early when they opened so thankfully we did not have to wait, but I think if we did, I would find a way to give this place 0 stars. When looking at the menu you see the prices and are a little taken aback. I have no issue paying for a certain level of quality/service, but 18.50 for pancakes or a waffle with no sides (not even a salad garnish) means that it better be the best you have ever had. Having ordered the Coconut Waffle and the Lemon & Ricotta pancakes we can easily say that they were not near the best in any regard of anything we have ever had. IHOP would have tasted better IMHO. Had the entrees been priced at 9.99, then this restaurant may have gotten 3 stars for its true mediocrity, but at almost double that then it is easy to give it one star. We also had an issue with a hostess who made some arrogant remarks, but the manager on duty dealt with that by comping one of our entrees. Even with that comped it was still a $100 meal. My best advice is to go three blocks north and go to Jacob's Pickles where the food is delicious and worth the wait and the money.
(1)
Sara M.
It's true what they say about brunch at sarahbeths- it's delicious. Do it, just do it. Also, the jams! They are good enough to buy at the store and you CAN! (They're in grocery stores is what I'm saying!)
(4)
Mimi J.
Long wait - Hostess told us it would be 20 minutes for a table... 50 min later I went to check in with her and she said, "I'm not going to lie, it's going to be at least another 30 min." Remember when you originally said 20? Good food - the food is definitely good, however they charge for EVERYTHING and it ends up being quite expensive.
(2)
Reuben S.
Went there with my wife to meet a friend in the city. He picked this place to meet up at and I'm so glad he did. We met for brunch. Food was very savory and the atmosphere was inviting. I would definitely recommend this establishment. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Kt F.
TERRIBLE SERVICE!!! I came here for breakfast/ brunch around 10:45am with my boyfriend to show him how fabulous Sarabeth's is (I've been to the UES location and it is wonderful). However, I was extremely disappointed with my experience at this UWS location. The service at this establishment is AWFUL. My boyfriend and I sat down at a table for two and it took us 20 minutes just to get WATER. The waitress barely visited our table... we only saw her three times the entire time we were eating there, (greeting, giving us our food, and handing us our check) and it was very difficult to get refills of water and coffee in a timely manner. As for the food... we ordered french toast and waffles, and it took FIFTY MINUTES to receive our food. When the food came out, it was lackluster at best. It did not taste like anything special, and was certainly not worth the $60 it was for the 2 dishes and coffee. The coffee also tasted very watery, and was not very hot. The most frustrating part of this experience was that in the 50+ minutes we were sitting at our table waiting for our food, THREE new tables sat down at the tables around us, and all received their food WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF SITTING DOWN. I do not understand how that is possible or fair. And to top it off, the hostesses kept staring at our table as if to "hurry" us up, like we were an annoyance because we were taking so long to eat our food, when in fact we didn't even receive our food yet!!! This experience was absolutely infuriating. I used to rave about Sarabeth's and recommend it to friends, but after this experience, I do not think I will give Sarabeth's my business again. You can find better brunch elsewhere.
(1)
Mitchell B.
It was bad. When we got there the manger asked if we had a time set for dinner when no one was there. Also they where out of one dish that I can understand. But they also told us after we ordered and ask for bread that they where out of bread. The witness tried to help she cold of given us desert on the house. The only thing she give us was coffee.
(1)
Matthew M.
We were hungry and in need of good coffee when we walked into this place. Both needs were sated. It was a Yelp referenced food find, as we touristed around the city. It was pricey for breakfast, but It was also good food and city prices. Our waiter was cordially helpful, our excellent coffee never empty, and our breakfast a well polished upscale version of breakfast staples. There is a bit of condescension in the air, though we were treated well even in casual dress. The interior is nice and clean feeling and overall enjoyable. i can't speak to the other options, but I'd return for breakfast again.
(4)
Joel C.
So good to be back. Love this place. Great spot to eat outside and watch the city stroll by. I love that you can get brunch any day. Brunch always calls for a bloody and theirs is truly a work if art. Pickled veggies and a size glass that makes sense.
(5)
JoAnna D.
We decided on Sarabeth's West at the tail-end of weekend brunch hours, meaning that we managed to avoid the crowd & lines. Yay! I ordered the Fat & Fluffy French Toast, & he ordered the Farmer's Omelet. My meal was good -- the fruit was fresh, the bread was cooked perfectly, and the serving size was generous. My boyfriend's omelet had fluffy eggs & perfectly-cooked potatoes & bacon. The food was good & the service was friendly, but the overall noise level & ambiance was less than comfortable. The constant stream of families with strollers had customers propping both doors open, leaving us in the path of the cold outdoor air. We sat between the door and the small bar area, meaning we were sandwiched between a few loud families and the noise of a busy server's station. Just ... too much for me. I've heard that Sarabeth's East is better overall, so if I'm going to make the trip downtown for brunch, I'll probably try that location before I come back to this one.
(2)
Lynda B.
Sarabeth's West is a reliable breakfast/brunch stop for typical but good breakfast fare. Fresh and homey food with good service, hot coffee and bustling city atmosphere.
(5)
Kim G.
Came for Saturday brunch around noon last week and the wait was around thirty minutes. It was a shorter wait than expected at this time. Make sure you let the staff know when your whole party has arrived in order for you to be put on the "all arrived" waiting list. The food was more expensive than other brunch places (including tip paid $26 without coffee or a cocktail) but it was extremely delicious. I got the eggs Benedict and the eggs were perfectly runny and everything was seasoned well. I would return to try more items on the menu in the future.
(4)
Jade L.
I don't understand the hype here. The wait took forever, a good ~1.5 hours for Sunday brunch. The worst part was we were told 20 minutes and then 20 minutes after the 20 minutes, repeat until you reach ~1.5 hours later. The space is pretty big, but people just did not leave after eating (probably because they were drinking more, see comment below) the food is fine, but nothing you can't get at any other brunch place, and with less of a crazy wait the 2 special cocktails are worth it, delicious.
(2)
Meischa Z.
Wonderful ambience, amazing servers and best of all delicious eggs Benedict and scrumptious almond crusted French toast ( a weekend brunch special only ie.)
(5)
Eric H.
Food is alright and the service is just ok. With two young kids time is always of the essence from order to getting food. This is more of a brunch place for folks to talk and take their time. So not for us but positives - the brisket hash was really good. Pancakes were only ok. Had higher expectations going in which probably got me jaded. Bit pricey for the food and service.
(3)
Graham P.
Had the kale and eggs and really enjoyed it. Drip coffee was as expected and the staff was attentive but not annoying. Not inexpensive but worth the cost. I went at 8am so I didn't have to deal with the brunch rush on a Saturday.
(4)
Nevena R.
The food was perfectly fine, but I found it overpriced by about 40%. I tried the goat cheese spinach omelette, eggs Benedict, and pancakes. It was all perfectly fine, though the pancakes could have been much fluffier. Besides the four flower juice, nothing was original that you couldn't get elsewhere for less money.
(3)
Daniel S.
Grossly overpriced. Food arrives cold after 90 minute wait (4 blocks away). Occasionally will gamble because if it does arrive hot, it's one of the better breakfast places on UWS, but $25 for French toast that's cold 75% of the time? Meh.
(3)
Olivia G.
This place gets nuts for brunch. It's extremely expensive and has poor service. The food is okay but not dazzling considering the ordeal it is to enter the restaurant and eat the food. Tends to be a hotspot for tourists and snotty families. Don't order drinks but do get the lemon and ricotta pancakes.
(3)
B N.
Cute spot - I asked for some recs and was told the goldi lox was good - news flash in my opinion salmon eggs and cream cheese... Too mushy for my taste. Friend ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes which were delish but they are flat not so fluffy.... Coffee is good tho!
(3)
Rachel F.
Just really expensive and not that amazing. I had lox eggs benedict. It was mediocre in my book.(side note: why can't restaurants serve real english muffins? Thomas people..he was a good man) Also- pretty sure none of the ingredients are local/organic. For those prices, I'm hoping those eggs were from free range chickens. Lox was nothing special, either. I'm thinking this place is only good for sweet brunch (reviews about pancakes sound pretty good)
(3)
Megan F.
This place needs to stick with brunch- fluffy pancakes, berries, mimosas, ect.. Sarabeths does that well. Tonight we came here for dinner. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, he ordered the lobster roll. The mac and cheese was like Kraft (white) mac and cheese, but with an even runnier sauce. With some chopped lobster sprinkled on top. It was incredibly bland. I was expecting a decent mac and cheese, I was shocked and then disgusted. I gave up trying to eat this after a few bites. I have very rarely, perhaps never, sent back a plate of food under these circumstances. The girls who staffed the restaurant were all scandalized that I would ask them to remove it from my check. Husband said the lobster rolls are better across the street at Luke's, though it was certainly edible. Bread basket contained various rolls that were so far past their prime, so stale, I would be ashamed to serve them to anyone. McFly cocktail was a weak pour, but the flavors were nice. Fries were the best! I would return here for brunch, but most definitely not for any other type of meal/food.
(1)
Dan C.
Ok, so I have to be honest but really, I'm not going to be snobbish. Sarabeth's is a place for New Yorkers to eat. It's not for tourists. If you don't live here, stay away. There's no chance you're going to "get it" and we don't want you to. We just want to come and be among each other. Yesterday I was there for lunch. At the next table was an out-of-town couple: a very wealthy old guy (I saw his credit card...it was made of enriched plutonium) who was so miserable he didn't say a word the entire time and looked angry while he ate. With him was his trophy wife, way way younger, gorgeous, and acting very happy and animated because she must have been embarrassed by the old fart's refusal to say anything and gloom and doom. Both of them were eating a 4 egg scrambled egg plate and both had separate plates with about 8 slices of bacon on them. And the wife poured a ton of salt on her bacon. Let me share with you: New York people are on all kinds of weird diets, but none of them involve pouring salt on bacon. Before I left I went down to the bathrooms and accidentally walked into an unlocked bathroom where a very attractive woman was finishing up. We both were startled, both apologized, but then began chatting like BFFs. She told me she was with her boyfriend, they had been together forever but he refused to marry her, and would I please come by their table and tell him what nice things I had said about her. Hey, we're neighbors, you know? So I did, and I told him fella, if you don't pop the question, I'm going to do it right now so if she wants she can ditch you. See, we don't need tourists for any of this. So you guys from Okeebogee can eat in a Greek diner and see what New York diners are all about. And stay away from Brooklyn, or else.
(4)
Scott H.
Absolutely overrated. Nice staff, but my grilled cheese and tomato soup was $17 and the sandwich was maybe 4 square inches and had barely any of the four delicious cheeses promised. The mimosa was standard, but for four, a $160 brunch should pack more punch. Sandwich was about 4 bites worth and the soup was just soup. One drink each. Absolutely will not go back anytime again. Many other spots like calle ocho or shake shack would be better.
(1)
Ashley S.
The best thing about this restaurant is the ketchup. When we first walked in, we were met by unwelcoming hosts which was the first sign of poor service. The waitress was very disinterested in our satisfaction, barely checking in on us during our meal. I don't have any complaints on the food, but with the poor service, and lack-luster ambience, I will not be returning here to dine.
(2)
Maria S.
Do not go here for Sunday Brunch. Overly crowded. Waited 50 min for a table for 4 people. Food was good. Although it was on the pricey side and not worth the wait and the ok service. Plus bc it was so crowded service staff was super busy. Restaurant felt like a tourist trap. Although food was good, not worth returning. I feel like I can get the same type of food at another restaurant with a more intimate feel, better service, and a place where it was more enjoyable. Not a New Yorker place for sure. But prbly good if you're a tourist wanting to be another face in the crowd.
(2)
Mitchell M.
Really good brunch. Was here with my wife and 2 friends. There was a tiny bit of a wait, but not bad. You do have to wait on the street though...really no room to inside. Everyone was very polite and welcoming. The service was efficient and friendly. The clientele here are just what you expect on the Upper West Side. I will leave my personal opinions aside on this one, but most people familiar with NYC know what to expect when coming to the Upper West. The restaurant itself was fine. You had room to move, and the tables/chairs were certainly comfortable enough. I couldn't describe the decor if you paid me. Left no impression whatsoever. The Signature 26oz Bloody Mary was bested only by the chicken apple sausage which is outrageously good. It doesn't look the part, but it is delicious. C for presentation, A for taste. I had the Goldie Lox which was scrambled eggs with lox and cream cheese. It's more of an omelette, but it was really good. Everything was so fresh and light tasting. There other omelettes that were served around us looked very good. I would recommend the Open Faced Crab Cake Sandwich even though calling a sandwich is a stretch. The menu has a lot of other choices that it was difficult to make a decision. One thing is for sure though...order the chicken apple sausage no matter what you get. The crispy potato waffle looked really good too. They do offer outside seating, but try to sit furthest from curb. Otherwise you may have hungry people waiting for tables hovering over you. That's not relaxing in my mind.
(4)
KJ W.
The brunch here is amazingly delicious. A bit pricey, but wow - my braised short rib hash was plentiful, filling, and I want more! The baked good were real good and their preserves are so good!!!
(5)
Emily Z.
We came here around 1PM on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait about 45 minutes until we got seated. I do love the decor, but the food wasn't really worth the wait for me. I ordered the farmer's omelet (leak, potato, bacon and gruyere) and it was done well, but portion was definitely smaller than I've had at other brunch places. The Four Flower juice was delicious, and I wish I had gotten the Four Flower mimosa (the mimosas come with a glass of juice and champagne for you to mix yourself, which I liked). My girlfriend ordered an extra side of bacon with her waffles and it was $8. Really? NYC is expensive and all, but $2/strip of bacon seems pretty pricy. I'd recommend going for the sweet brunch options here. Sarabeth is known for muffins and pastries, and I did leave with a nice set of jams.
(3)
Sofà P.
Overpriced and pretentious. Before I could even finish ordering, the waitress took the menu from me and walked away. Then she came back with my waffles tossed them at me and walked away, again I had to call her back and ask politely for the menu to finish ordering my breakfast But the coconut waffles made it worth my while
(3)
David W.
Way too expensive. My family made a mistake coming here for breakfast, never again and I hope to spare you as well. Zabars is one block away, please go there. Or go, spend 4 dollars (yes) for terrible coffee, the sort your grandparents in Wisconsin get with a can opener. The food was ok, but the bill left the same bitter taste as the coffee. The service was terrific.
(2)
Shiana D.
Sarabeth's used to be a place where you could go for a great, albeit overpriced, meal either with friends or alone. As a longtime and frequent customer of the restaurant its finally time for me to break up. The main dishes I've gotten at sarabeths are the buttermilk pancakes, the chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs so that is what I can speak to. Over time the quality has gone and now its no longer worth coming for these prices when the city has tons of great brunch places where you can wait for an hour for a table. Sadly the buttermilk pancakes have always been good and are still ok but I wouldn't go out of your way to come here just for that especially when they're dry and rather thin. Not fluffy. The chicken apple sausage used to be AMAZING but they must have changed the way the dish was prepared or the ingredients because now it is dry, large and charred with no flavor. Even the apricot or apple jam can't make up for the dry sausage that used to be juicy and full of flavor. Long story short just pass on this restaurant because of long waits, high prices and edible but not great food.
(2)
Catfish H.
This place isn't special. It is a chain restaurant. In 2004 it was a breakfast destination, in 2014 it is a breakfast resignation.
(2)
Chris G.
Came here for Thanksgiving.. They had a Thanksgiving menu but i had the steak.. nothing horrible but also nothing special honestly. Considering the price, I'll pass if spending my own $..
(2)
Antoinette M.
Sarabeths food no matter where you eat is finest in food and great cuisines always guaranteed. Her jams are the best.
(4)
Lara G.
We headed straight to Sarabeth straight from Central Park, early Easter morning. It was a beautiful day, albeit cold and at just after 8 in the morning, there were no lines, no crowds, no noise. It was perfect. The hostess was friendly and engaging as she lead us to a quiet table. A I asked for my favorite Lemon and Ricotta pancakes with a side of (gasp!) bacon while my favorite friend asked for Salmon Eggs Benedict. Service was quick but not rushed and we settled to enjoying our meal. The hint of lemon gives the pancakes a fresh taste which was perfect for spring. Since we are both believers of sharing our food, my friend gave me some of the salmon benedict and I restrained myself from stealing his food. We skipped the dessert and just opted for cappuccinos which were pitch-perfect. As we walked out of the restaurant, the line is now longer and we were glad we started our Easter early with Sarabeth's delicious breakfast.
(4)
Maria G.
Came here on a Saturday for brunch with my friends. We had wanted to go elsewhere, but the wait was 2 hours, so we were relieved when the wait at Sarabeth's was quoted at 20 minutes and was more like 10. I had the Goldie Lox, which was good, but a little too much cream cheese for my liking and I tried my friend's lemon ricotta pancakes which were really delicious. My other friend got a salad, and it looked like it was all greens, a couple of shrimp and some avocado. I also ordered the adult hot chocolate, and quite honestly it wasn't worth it. Maybe a splash of alcohol? For $10? Seems a bit ridiculous. Overall, a solid brunch place, but nothing really stood out to me.
(3)
Leslie H.
First time at Sarabeth's and it was everything I hoped it would be! I sampled the four flowers juice and it was totally delicious. For my entree, i had the salmon eggs benedict. This was a great eggs benedict and loved that it was served on a homemade english muffin. It really made a difference! My boyfriend had the goldilocks scrambled eggs. I was regretting not getting this. It was like a lox and bagel in an omelete form. It was creamy and delicious! His came with a muffin of choice and homemade jam. It's definitely more expensive than other brunch places but it was really a treat! We also came at 11 am on a Saturday and only had to wait 5-10 minutes to be seated. So, note to others who aren't in the area, make the "trek" to the UWS so you don't have to wait forever.
(4)
Jen J.
Meh...average food at best. We came for brunch on a Saturday. It was packed. Service was great: everyone from the waitress to the hostess were friendly and all-smiles. The food however were nothing special. I had the classic egg Benedict. I agree with another reviewer below that the bread to benedict ratio was off; if anything, it needed more than the paper-thin ham that I got. To make it worse, the scrambled eggs were overcooked: you know, when it's in chunks instead of that creamy fluffy consistency. You are not allowed to eff up eggs if you are a breakfast/brunch place. That should be a rule. Overall, disappointing, especially considering a juice set me back almost $10 bucks after tip and the whole lackluster meal cost almost $30. I won't be back here again.
(2)
Sar P.
its a great place for brunch, but the service sucks! Ive tried the ricotta pancakes and waffles and they are both good!
(3)
Maria K.
One of my all time classics. A real NY institution. The tomato soup is to die for. Everything is fresh and yummy.
(5)
Angelo P.
Bad service, overpriced, ok food. Amsterdam ave and Broadway has a lot of better options where you don't have to wait, won't be denied a table for 2 (after an hour wait) if your party stepped out or forget to place your order. The food is too sweet and sometimes even tasteless. This place has too much hype. Not worth the hassle.
(2)
Emily C.
Sarabeth's is my go to brunch spot. They do not take reservations for brunch, so expect to wait a bit for a table. My favorites are the Eggs Benedict and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Brunch is not complete without a Four Flowers Mimosa! And plenty of coffee. The best way to start your Saturday or Sunday!
(5)
Mary E.
First timer and the food was good! My favorite is however there tomato soup...omg...its so darn good!! I've had it in many other places and sometimes I'm feeling like im eating tomato sauce but their soup was absolutely exceptional!! Price isnt that great tho.. $10...but really a must try! Me and my sister ordered a salmon benedict. That was ok...just felt smoked salmon wasnt enough...really thin slice and the hollandaise sauce could of been more tasty. The banana strawberry french toast was also good but not the best. Presentation of the meals were really nice. I would come back but majority only for that darn soup!!
(4)
Mini K.
I was craving brunch really badly, so went to Sarabeth's West after reading yelp review. I had salmon egg Benedict, and it was very good! There were lots of people even during the weekday, and there was a outdoor sitting as well. Waitress was little bit slow, but food was great!
(5)
Elise K.
Great brunch place. The lemon ricotta pancakes are really tasty! I think the omelettes are good (especially the red omelette). The lines are a bit long during weekends. Wouldn't recommend for dinner. The service was terribly slow and you can get tasty food at places known for their non-breakfast fare.
(4)
Reena M.
The brunch here is amazing!! The wait was hell since we had to wait outside in the cold for 45 minutes, and the hostesses are kind of snotty. But the food was awesome and worth the wait!
(4)
roifield b.
Beware of the queues. You can wait for upwards of an hour to be served. That said the pancakes and the popeye eggs are worth the wait.
(4)
e s.
Man, it used to be so good. I think Sarabeth is losing it's game. It's so sad when a great place starts getting lazy and doesn't pay attention to details as they used to. It's become so popular with expected lines over the weekend, it really felt like they were trying to turn around tables as quick as possible. My salmon eggs benedict.. my eggs were WAY over-poached... sadness. no runny yolk, it wasn't even moist.. My friends popeye eggs, the spinach was decent but the canadian bacon was DRY as cardboard.. what happened? I'm so sad. well. I'll move on.. After all this is nyc and there are a ton of other brunch spots that definitely put this place to shame.
(3)
Nestlee M.
Great brunch spot. Food was delicious, especially liked the chicken apple sausage. Fabulous waitress. This location doesn't take reservations and since we arrived at 10:15 Sunday, we had to wait which we expected. Only down side of our experience was the hostess ... a real snit. She seemed to enjoy annoying everyone who had to give their name and then wait. Management, you can figure out who this was... we were there 12/4/11. Fortunately, we forgot about her after we sat down and enjoyed the meal!
(4)
Scott L.
#NAME?
(4)
Ivan W.
Great place for comfort food and relaxing conversation with a friend. Steak Frites and Chicken Pot Pie were excellent. Service was attentive when needed. Dessert was the highlight: Cookie Plate, Cheesecake with Orange Marmalade and Individual Peach Pie (especially good!) were all wonderful.
(4)
Tempest B.
Based on Sam P's review I decided to try this place for brunch. I haven't heard any of the hype (nor even heard of the place until Yelp), so I have no idea if this place lives up to it. I can tell you that it totally rocks. I went on a Saturday around noon and the wait was only 10 minutes. The atmosphere is lovely. Even though the place was full it didn't feel crowded and gross. We had a lovely time. The food is also just as wonderful as the others say. Really good, really different! Anyone can whip up a pancake, but lemon ricotta? Pumpkin waffles? Almond-crusted French toast? Yum! Whoever puts together the menu is looking to give people a singular culinary experience. The prices are a little high for me (I'm poor!) but not so high that I can't afford to go there every few weeks. This is definitely a treat to look forward to.
(4)
Vicki S.
Sarabeth's has a great atmosphere. It feels very homey. The eggs are great and the french toast is as well. The apple sausage are a great side dish. The raspberry tea that is served at Sarabeth's is my favorite tea. It is expensive, but worth it.
(4)
Tiffany L.
Service is decent, and presentation is good. This is definitely one of the better brunch places I've been to on the UWS. That said, I'm still not impressed. The eggs benedict looked delightful until the first bite. The hollandaise was missing something - not sure what, and the english "muffin" was too thick, making the bread to egg ratio way to high. Not to mention, $6 orange juice makes this one of the more expensive brunch places around. Good ambiance, mediocre food. We'll keep looking.
(2)
Elisabet E.
Wonderful brunch! We went at 11:30 on a Sunday morning and only waited about 15 min for a table for two (although the line was longer if your party was any larger than that). I ordered the potato waffle with apple sausage; it was scrumptious. Boyfriend ordered the Farmer's omelet; also very good. Nice ambiance and good service. A little pricey but it's worth it.
(5)
Libby L.
There has only been one occasion where I've eaten out and said that my food was worth every single cent that I spent and that was after I went to Sarabeth's for a Saturday brunch. I ordered the pumpkin waffles with my mimosas. The food tasted really fresh and made to order. The only thing I didn't like about the place (it's gorgeous inside by the way), was the pushy waitstaff. I get they need their tips, but I don't like feeling like I should be leaving from the second I take my first bite. The food was worth it though (it's a little pricey so beware).
(4)
Joyce W.
A great breakfast place in NY. I havent been to too many brunch places in the city but this is one way to start and Sarabeth's definitely set the bar high. I went with a couple of my friends on Sunday morning and there was already a long line at ~ 1030am. We had to wait ~ 30 min which is not bad at all. I was hoping for some inspiration on what to order from fellow yelpers but still it was hard to choose cuz everything sound soo delicious. I ended up ordering the potato waffle with chicken sausage. I loved the potato waffle... very different and was something i couldn't get anywhere else. The chicken sausage tho... was a lil dry ... but still good. Other great items included the almond french toast, and the popeye eggs =) Would love to go back and enjoy more of the preserves!!! I couldnt get enough of that!
(4)
kristen b.
Yes. Go to Sarabeth's. The food is meticulously executed. Our farmer's omelet was supposed to come with bacon, potatoes and cheese. Little did we know that the potatoes would be finely diced, the bacon crumbled, the cheese fantastically melty, and the egg cooked so perfectly that it wasn't a bit browned. Fancy. The choice of 'bread" is equally fancy. We picked the house-made corn muffin, kind of like cornbread. Served with sweet butter. Good. Of all the fancy pancake/waffle selections, we decided to start with the basic on our first visit. Buttermilk pancake was fluffy and sweet, not heavy or gummy. The fresh bananas and strawberries were fresh and seasonal (at the time). The service was professional. Next time I'm in NY, I'll be back at Sarabeth's. The prices are high for breakfast, but the atmosphere, service and perfectly made food make up for it.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Good brunch in a brunch-city. I liked the food and vibe but do not love. Friend and I went on a rainy Saturday morning/afternoon. Surprisingly short wait for table for two (was told 20min but actually about 10min). Got great table right in front of the window. I had the Frittata with peppers, mushrooms, and onions (asked for no bacon) ($12ish). Impossibly fluffy! Amazing texture that I loved. Great flavor as well - seasoned just right. Came with a croissant (flaky, buttery but cold). Friend had Almond-Crusted French Toast with Cranberry-something sauce ($11). Good but not great. Perhaps, the bread they use could be better? Plus, me no like-y powdered sugar. Great service - prompt, attentive, semi-friendly. Very clean presentation of restaurant interior.
(4)
Taj W.
Great food! Some people complain about it being crowded and the wait, but would you prefer going to an EMPTY restaurant?!??! I wouldn't...It would make me wonder why it was empty. The french toast is amazing and the staff is pleasant, to say the least. Go early to avoid the crowds, if you must.
(4)
Linda C.
The frittata is great, have had it twice recently. And the bloody mary is spicy and yummy! Highly recommend brunch here...expect a wait though (like all UWS good brunch spots).
(4)
Lola P.
I love brunch at Sarabeths! Eggs benedict are solid (but that flavorless corn muffin on the bottom has got to go). Pancakes are delicious. Cream of tomato soup is super satisfying. Omelettes are overwhelmingly big. Nothing comes with sides and I wish they had more variety on their lunch menu, considering how high the prices are. The service leaves much to be desired, and the wait on weekends is ridiculous. All in all, it's a good place to eat brunch if you can get a table during off-hours.
(3)
kathleen c.
the ambience is deceiving--the front of the restaurant is quaint and has a kind of kitchenette feel to it, and then as you amble on to the back, the decor has a bit of a carrow's feel, sans the lame art (the wall art was actually quite tasteful). the coffee was pretty blah. it tasted like it was old and had been sitting in the urn for ages. i like the taste to be bright and bold, but it was neither of those things. the only thing that redeems this place are the lemon ricotta pancakes. the lemon zest is like a burst of happiness and sunshine in your mouth and the ricotta makes it smooth yet fluffy. i have NEVER had pancakes like these. chicken apple sausages were okay, but a little dry in my opinion. good thing they were served on a bed of reduced applesauce (more like a compote) to slather on the sausage.
(4)
Harriet M.
Sarabeth's West is definitely the best Sarabeth's location. Love this restaurant time and again. The tomato soup can NOT be beat - served piping hot, with fresh blended cheeses and chives sprinkled on top, and bits of fresh tomatoes throughout - it is absolutely delicious! There have been many soup imposters, but there is really nothing quite like it. It's a girly kind of place, good for getting together with friends. Check out our pictures of this mouth-watering soup - as well as afternoon tea and scones, at harrietmagpie.com/?p=1038
(4)
Shannon D.
Had lunch here and loved my mushroom burger. It's a diner with high quality food and I would recommend for breakfast or brunch if you live in the area, but not more than Lanskys!
(4)
Lisa L.
Cute brunch place if you're in the neighborhood. The food was good but I wouldn't say it was amazing. We arrived a little late so we didn't have to wait, which was a huge plus. I had the farmers omelette with bacon, leeks and gruyere cheese and had a bran muffin on the side. Like i said, good but not spectacular. My favorite part of the meal was how the iced coffee was served in little pitchers at the table. Very adorable !
(3)
Erin L.
Mmm went back for the second time today. Honestly, this place is not worth the long wait. The food (brunch) is really not that amazing. I think I'm done with this place, time to try new brunch places!
(3)
Jeremy B.
Great food, so-so service. Their meatloaf is top notch and they have a great atmosphere. Wine selection kind of poor, but what they do have is good. Give it a try if you find yourself in the area, but don't go out of your way to get there.
(4)
T T W.
Have only eaten here for dinner, and I give 3 stars for location, decor, service, the fluffly free biscuits, and the velvet tomato soup. Everything else was not great. My Caesar salad had many brown pieces of iceberg lettuce, and the croutons weren't crunchy. Husb's mushroom/prosciutto risotto seemed to be an amalgam of rice, cream of mushroom soup, and "cat food". His glass of Chilean wine was $7.50 when the same wine is $10/bottle at the local store. Overall, it was overpriced. People seem to rave about brunch tho!!
(3)
John W.
Popular place. Get there before 10am to quickly get seated. Service was adequate and the food was good, but not great. Wife had the salmon eggs benedict, which were quite good. I had the almond french toast and it was underwhelming.
(3)
Steve N.
The 5 stars are for one item only: first time I came here I got them and while I have considered trying something else, in 6 or 7 return visits, I have yet to waver. The wait is long, and I usually regret trading more than a bite for anyone else's ricotta pancake, frittata or egg's benedict, but the POTATO WAFFLES are the lick! Moist, chewy, and mildly savory, the only real question is how to eat each bite - with the applesauce, sour cream or syrup. Oh, and they come with apple sausage. What! Also, don't go to another location and expect to have the same menu; that was an awful discovery at the SB Central Park after an hr wait.
(5)
AJ Y.
The garden omelette was okay. It tasted healthy. There was a nice surprise of gruyere inside, but overall, an omelette is an omelette, and I didn't think this omelette was anything more special than other ones I've eaten. The blueberry muffin was good though. Not spectacular, but good enough.
(3)
Beth T.
This place was the perfect spot to end my NYC visit. Arrived at 9:30 on Saturday and we were seated immediately. Our server was friendly and helped us choose between several menu items that sounded good...ended up with the pumpkin waffle and bacon and pepper fritatta, plus a side of potatoes. Everything was both simple and complex, and totally delicious. I would go back in a heartbeat the next time I'm in New York.
(4)
Andrew K.
I came here b/c it's famous for brunch. The lines were long, including for the bathroom (strangely longer for men), but once you sit down, it's all good. The hostess had a 'tude and there are NO reservations. But, alas, my lemon ricotta pancakes, black courant scone with bitter orange marmalade, 4-flower juice, and soft scramble with scallions and cream cheese were all divine. The prices were fair and the ambiance was classic. The waiter, once you broke through to him, was a nice dude.
(4)
Jen L.
Probably more like 3.5 stars. Brunch is good and the portions are huge. The Bloody Mary's and mimosas are good too. Service can be a little slow.
(3)
Rachael S.
I came to Sarabeths specifically for the Lobster Prix Fix dinner. It is a great value at around $35 for a nice size lobster, salad, and dessert. The lobster was cooked nicely and the crab meat pasta on the side was delicious. Definitely going to go next time I am in a lobster mood. My whole group got the special minus one member who ordered scallops. They were fine, but lack luster. Service was ok. I do like that it is a large place so you aren't stuffed next to people like in most NYC restaurants.
(4)
Vivian C.
I think I have the best sconce EVER!!!! love it!
(5)
Stefunny K.
Waited about 45mins for party of two. Food was worth the wait! I liked the food here better than Norma's. We had pancakes and smoked salmon on black bread. Service was friendly, lots of families and adorable children and babies to coo over. The atmosphere is going for a neighborhoody feel, almost diner-like. I'd come again, but would probably not attempt the wait for a group bigger than 4.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Went here for lunch this past weekend after my husband heard rave reviews about this place. He ordered the lobster roll and I ordered the Free Range Chicken Salad. The lobster roll was really good and so were the home made potato chips that came with it, however the portions were very small and inconsistent, as the table next to us ordered the same thing and had twice the amount of food. My salad would have been good except they forgot the salad dressing and the chicken was very very dry. Our waitress took our orders and then disappeared. Another staff member brought out our meal and cleared our plates. She never stopped by to ask how everything was or if we wanted refills on our drinks. After our plates were cleared, we were waiting about 15 minutes for our check and I had to ask another server who ignored me and then I had to ask the hostess and eventually we got our check. It's too bad the service is so poor here because they have a really good menu, even though it's over priced. 2 stars due to the nice decor and quick seating on a Saturday afternoon.
(2)
Sally L.
Love it. Great early bite. Me and a friend try and get there every chance we get and even though she lives in LA it's one of her faves.
(5)
snafu m.
Rude staff, long waits, pretentious food that promises but doesn't deliver, screaming kids, did I mention you have to wait over an hour to 'enjoy' this experience? AND it costs a lot too, what a joke. This place is the definition of overrated, don't believe the hype!
(1)
Andrew D.
Disappointing brunch place after the positive reviews as well the amount of folks who stand in line. "Good Enough To Eat" a couple of blocks away is the much better choice. The service was mediocre and the food was ok. Won't go back... yet another disappointment for the UWS. I need to move.
(3)
Stef P.
No wait to sit on a Saturday at 11am? Sounds good to me. It was chilly and waiting for an hour and a half to sit outside did not sound appealing to me. I love the decor and different rooms in this restaurant for fancy brunches. I had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries and almost ate the entire stack of five. My boyfriend had the Classic Eggs Benedict which wasn't over-the-top but never dissapoints. My mom had The Farmer's Omelet with ham, gruyere and leeks folded into fluffy eggs with a scone. The scone with preserves was outstanding. We also split a side Three-Pepper Home Fried Potatoes-charred, crispy, mushy-perfect! I do love this place. It's a little pricey for slightly above average brunch foods, but the location is stunning and it makes for a very nice occasion.
(4)
Nina S.
What a cuuuute country kitchen homemade jam and scones scene! It's like I've died and gone to Laura Ashley heaven. Seriously, this is definitely a solid brunch place, but there is something so offensive about a side order of bacon that's seven dollars and orange juice (okay, it's fresh squeezed but still) that's six. Also, when I was there this past Sunday, the fat and fluffy french toast was super dry. Whatever happened to soaking the bread all the way through with egg so that it really tastes like french toast and not merely like challah bread with a thin coating of egg batter? i didn't send it back because it was busy and I didn't want to be obnoxious--maybe that's their special signature particular french toast style--but I now regret that I didn't. After all, for a breakfast totaling $35.00 per person (what I paid including tax and tip) everything should be crazy perfect. Also, the whole suburban UWS scene with moms and dads and strollers and the sort of entitled atmosphere feels strangely artificial and kinda bland. It's as if Applebee's upscaled it a bit and opened a Shabby Chic breakfast chain in all the zip codes where people will pay twelve dollars for a basket of muffins without batting an eyelash.
(3)
Angelina L.
Came back with 3 friends to Sarabeth's West for Saturday brunch on June 4, 2011. The food was good.
(3)
Steve P.
Since 99% of the reviews for Sarabeth's is for brunch...THIS IS A DINNER REVIEW! Whenever I am taking my kids out to eat in the neighborhood, this is the place they want to go to. I can honestly say that we have never been disappointed (we've eaten there about ten times). Here's a cumulative look at all of our dining experiences: SERVICE - Routinely excellent. Once, my waiter actually forgot my entree...so they comped it because I had to eat after everyone else. My kids can be a bit on the obnoxious side and the wait staff has always been nice to them (I think they purposely seat us in the back when they see us coming). The last time we were there, our waiter pointed out that Sarabeth herself was at a table. We couldn't figure out why she actually paid the check. She owns the joint! FOOD - For starters, the kids always share the cream of tomato soup and my wife and I have had the garden salad. She has also had the poached pear and arugula salad...and an occasional special. All fine. As you can see...we're predictable. The kids always get the burger..mostly because on the menu it is called "One Great Burger" and they like to say it. You can order it from turkey or sirloin....take the beef. I've had the meatloaf, chicken pot pie, hanger steak (that's what the waiter forgot), rigatoni, chicken breast and numerous other specials. My wife will usually get whatever fish is on the menu (they always have salmon) or she will get a salad. The food has always been very good....made to order and in large portions. They always have a lobster prix fixe which I had once and it was excellent. Starts with a garden salad, then you get a 1.5 lb lobster stuffed with crabmeat. I gave the kids my chocolate souffle. DRINKS - Full bar and generously poured. Even the wine portions are decent. Again, the kids get shirley temples every time we let them. SUMMARY - You cannot go wrong at Sarabeth's for a reliable and tasty meal. It isn't cheap...but it is always good. If you go there one night and see two adults and two kids making a lot of noise, slurping Shirley Temples and eating cheeseburgers...that's us. Oh yes, when you get the bill, the credit card bill is itemized. So, if you ever go there for business....everything you ate will be on the tab. Could be embarrassing if you eat a lot or if you have told your boss you are on a low carb diet.
(4)
B F.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in NYC
(5)
J M.
The food was good, but not worth the price. The decor is sunny and pleasant -- if only I could say the same for the hostesses. There were two (I'm not sure why, it wasn't crowded) and apparently neither was capable of doing the job. They were so rude, we almost walked out -- and I never walk out!
(2)
Retired B.
Thankfully I went on a weekday for brunch several years ago. No line, no wait. I had an omelette which was very tasty. Too bad I didnt get to try more of the items on the menu. I thought the martha-stewart-ish decor was nice.
(4)
Jordan T.
Had many recommendations to this place, and in the end I was satisfied. The food was really good, presentation was nice, and the service was good. We went on an Easter Sunday, so it was kind of packed, and that was kind of annoying, but that's my only complaint. I had eggs with sausages, and a muffin, and it was so good! Was a very welcoming place to eat, and I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Matthew R.
Took care of my party of 18 for a surprise engagement party! Very easy to make a reservation. All of our food and drinks came out perfectly. As a frequent visitor of the UES location, this compares beautifully. Will be back whenever in the area!
(5)
Becky R.
I went here for brunch on a Sunday, so obviously I encountered a bit of a wait. 20-30 min for 2 people around noon, so not too bad. Keep in mind there's not a big area to wait inside so most likely you'll be stuck outside. I made sure I tried the pumpkin muffin after hearing a lot about it; it was ok. Not bad, not great. A muffin's a muffin. Decent service, decent food, nothing spectacular.
(3)
Gourmet G.
This cozy, cottage-themed restaurant - where Sarabeth's Kitchen first established itself as a purveyor of outstanding pastries, fruit preserves, cookies, and cakes - is the flagship of four Manhattan dining spots that constitute Sarabeth Levine's mini-empire. Famous for its weekend brunch, it draws herds of New York Times-toting locals and their young broods in search of fluffy, overstuffed omelets, light-as-air buttermilk pancakes, and old-fashioned porridge. The lunch and dinner menus include a sensational Cobb salad with salmon, grilled liver and onions, and a chunky chicken pot pie. Bakery goods and jams, available to go, make nice gifts for the hostess who has everything.
(5)
Dream L.
Their food is really good...especially their soup...but come on, $17 for a very small plate of Mac N Cheese and nothing else???? No. I can make it way better!
(3)
J T.
salmoin eggs bendict... bomb!
(4)
Gregory R.
This is a big brunch place (never been). At dinner, this place is very good comfort food Tomato Soup is great high calorie dish worth trying. Service is a bit variable.
(4)
Brian J.
My wife and I like to go into Manhattan for Brunch on Sunday mornings. We try to do this on Sundays in the summer when everyone's left Manhattan. For a while we were going to Clinton Street baking Co., but last Sunday when we had to go to the UWS to take care of something we decided to try Sarabeths West for a change. We got there early, ( a little after 8am-ish, I'm an early riser) and lo and behold...no line. The food was great (Almond crusted french toast was good and my wife loved the lemon ricotta pancakes) and the atmosphere was truly of a brunch place. It got a little busy and there was a tremendous amount of strollers that they lined up in the hallway to the bathroom. All in all I think we found a new brunch place.
(4)
Bevy M.
Yes, the brunches are great, and the decor is charming. I've also tried it for dinner, and the food was good, with lots of choices for a group with wide-ranging tastes. But the service -- oy! I can understand a long wait for brunch, but when you get there just as they're opening, the restaurant is empty, and nobody waiting, why do they make us wait for 20 minutes to be seated? Crazy! There are so many alternatives on this stretch I'd recommend visiting only if your wait is 10 minutes or less. Otherwise, vote with your feet for a meal that is more user-friendly.
(3)
Sheena L.
I'm more of a savory breakfast kind of girl, so I went straight for the eggs. The frittata with veggies and gruyere is perfect -- not spongy or dry, just miraculously light and fluffy throughout with strings of gruyere and tiny chips of bacon. I had the good misfortune of getting my muffin order mixed up, so I got a currant scone in addition to my pumpkin muffin. Both were delicious (though I agree with Cheryl C. that the scone was very biscuit-like) -- so good that I just might have to come back and try those lemon ricotta pancakes.
(4)
Arnab M.
Fancy little brunch place in the Upper West Side, always crowded and there's always a wait time BUT it is totally worth it. Get there by 10:30 AM on a Saturday or Sunday and you are golden, probably a 10-20 minute wait. The BEST cup of coffee, with an endless bottom nonetheless, HEAVENLY. The omelettes are almost too delicious and perfect, without even a hint of brown anywhere... Just BRIGHT YELLOW through out. Perfectly done, absolutely mouth watering. Their bagels and lox are good to. A must for a Sunday morning, especially on a warm, sunny day. Better go in a small group, it's a shorter wait and one can sit around ones table and people watch. This place draws a lot of those prentious people one just loves to hate, it's perfect entertainment to go with a perfect brunch.
(5)
Alexandra L.
Although there are always lines at this place, the food is so worth it. I went for the first time this past weekend with a good friend, and we both had great meals. They pack people in - and are quick to seat - we only ended up waiting 20 minutes. I ordered the fluffy french toast with home fries and it was really good. I eat A LOT of french toast - it is my standard issue brunch order - and this was really good, not too buttery, not dry, and the syrup was great. The service is INCREDIBLE as well - quick to refill coffee and take orders. I love it.
(4)
T R.
the lemon ricotta pancakes are damned good here. damned good. the place itself is homey, and fresh, and quaint, and nice, and friendly (you get the idea)...and i think that, just personally speaking, brunch should be a little dirtier, a little grittier. we were surrounded by tables of kids and parents who undoubtedly woke up in large, white, fluffy beds, while i woke up...well, let's not talk about where or with whom i woke up. but suffice it to say that i felt like a dirty hot topic pre-teen dropped into a shiny williams sonoma ad... (note: i originally posted this review for Good Enough to Eat--i ate at both restaurants the same week and got them confused--my apologies!)
(4)
Patrick B.
Ok, I've never eaten here but I stopped by to pick up a tomato soup one day because I heard that it was all the rage. Let me tell you, it is beyond the rage. I went back immediately to order another one for later and a couple to throw in the freezer. Granted I had to pull my kid out of college to afford this, but it was well worth it. EAT THE SOUP!
(4)
Scott R.
Sarabeth - I love you But I fear we can never be together For I am a guy You are an insanely popular brunch spot And no straight guy could wait in line for an hour For brunch Unless his heart belongs to another woman Who convinces him it's worth waiting an hour in line For brunch Oh the irony - we can only truly embrace if I am with another It's like the twins fantasy I never had b/c I have twin sisters And would kick the #%!#% out of any guy who'd even try... So I call you on the phone And I tell you what I need You say come by in 15 minutes I arrive - my heart a-flutter And pass by all the girls and couples waiting for your affection Charlatans. Imposters. All of them. I shuffle to the counter and we exchange Furtive glances. Your love - barely reined in by to-go containers. My love - suppressed and tawdrily represented by a piece of paper With Andrew Jackson's visage I almost run out in shame But I stick around for the change Not because $6 and coins means anything to me I just want the moment to last a little longer I leave for my apartment With your light and fluffy french toast, pancakes, or omelet And a heavy heart If you could only be there When I enjoy your delicious french toast or buttermilk pancakes With syrup almost as sweet as you If I could bottle your love and that syrup I'd be one happy diabetic Your scone with apricot preserves brings me back To the cottage home with roaring fire In the countryside That I saw once in a film Was it Merchant-Ivory? And even though your lemon ricotta pancakes or blintzes Aren't quite my thing And your eggs benedict don't justify their $15 price tag I still love you for trying Perhaps one day we can be together But I don't want to spoli it By waiting in line for an hour Or settling for a lesser moment Like dinner. [Note: I tried out the sirloin burger here. Good but not great. Really liked everything around the burger (the brioche bun, the avocado) and the accoutrements (mini-pickles, shoestring fries, a great coleslaw with shredded green apples). Expected something above the norm with the burger - like their pancakes/french toast - but i found it lacking in juiciness and flavor. Plus, it was Medium/Medium Well and I asked for Medium Rare.]
(5)
J B.
I've never been so excited to go "out" to breakfast as when I stayed in NYC with a local that took me here. The service is good and the food is truly outstanding. An enormous breakfast for around $10. If you have the time, they have a huge selection of teas, and herbal infusions, which are fantastic. The pot can easily be shared with others, the tea/infusion is strong and flavorful, I think the one I had was sugarplum. I can't think of going back to New York without Breakfast/brunch at Sarabeth's.
(5)
Patricia R.
came here for brunch with a shitty hangover and..oh did this make me feel better. yummy. the wait kind of sucked but not to bad, cant wait to go back.
(4)
Danielle L.
I love french toast. But in an attempt to "unbias" myself , I began a personal pancake project. I thought I had found the best (@ Clinton Street Baking Co -see review) but then one fine Friday morning I tried the LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES at Sarabeth's...All I can say is LOVELY! I actually felt elevated in mind, body and soul. I am not kidding.
(4)
R B.
Trying to ignore the hype, and pretending an hour wait is totally reasonable for eggs, we took an out-of-towner here for brunch on a Saturday lunch in August. I love the teashop decor and the chintzy white wood and knick-knacks. I do not love having to wait for so long as it makes me anxious and antsy checking if we dropped off the list, or why that group got seated before us, but seemed to have arrived after we camped out in the doorway. As good as the food is, it isn't necessarily worth the wait on the weekend. We came back on a Weds and got seated right away and the crab cake with homemade muffin was dee-lish, perhaps tasting better than my omelet at the weekend because it didn't come with a side order of "yes, Daniel, that's us, we're here, coming, please don't give our table away...". Pancakes and waffles got yums all round and the cheese blintzes were declared a must-have and well worth the extra calories. I wasn't in love with the omelet; in the quest for fluffy, went a little close to the rubbery end of the spectrum with not a lot of the other ingredients in the over-puffed egg mountain If you can't bear the wait, order a pot of Sarabeth's jam on Fresh Direct or in Fairway and other stores. It's so yummy, fresh ripe fruit, not too sweet or syrupy, I just want to site down with a spoon. It will be hard to eat it when it's not on one of Sarabeth's fresh made scones. All we need now is some clotted cream and I'm inviting the Queen. Quick question though, why is it that teapots here don't pour properly? As a Brit transplant, I can't help but order tea if it's offered in a pot, but I have yet to encounter a non-leaky specimen.
(4)
Irena C.
perfect brunch spot in that predictable UWS way.
(4)
Chris Y.
Hands down this is my favorite breakfast spot in Manhattan. I think many people would have to agree since there is always a line for this place. I love the elegant 'country club' setting inside. Everything I've tried on the menu has been delicious, but my favorite is the almond encrusted french toast. It's the perfect start for a relaxing Sunday morning.
(5)
Christian P.
love the brunch here!! their unique take on mimosas is deeeeeelicious (and nicely priced for what you get)!!
(5)
Ayelet I.
Can't really complain about anything here. During the weekend it's busy even early. I think I got there around 10am on a Saturday and it was already nearly full. The service here is excellent, my cup of coffee was always full and despite coming in alone was never pressured to hurry up and leave to make space for others.I absolutely devoured my delicious pumpkin french toast, which came with lots of fruit and which left my belly full and happy. A little on the pricey side maybe but worth the splurge every so often. Decor is nothing worth noting.
(4)
Alexis A.
Met a friend and her family for dinner at this place tonight. The food was ok for a neighborhood place. Nothing outstanding or amazing. I had the morocan lamb stew that had no spice at all. I salted and peppered, then salted again - that is a lot as I usually add no salt to my food. The salads they all ordered looked fabulous. The cookie platter was a little disappointing for a place known for baked goods (though I found the buttermilk bisquit too soft on the inside and oddly stale on the outside). One sugar type soft cookie was really tasty. The brownie cookie, cutout sugar cookie, palmier and linzer cookie stayed on the table not even half eaten. REALLY not a good sign for a bakery.
(3)
Jando S.
My experience at Sarabeth's weekend brunch started off with a small stroke of luck -- no wait despite how crowded the place was. Surely this is an atypical occurrence, but I was not impressed initially because the place looked like it was full of hype and no real substance. The menu didn't seem that impressive and clearly I was judging the cover by the menu (does that even sound right?). Without a doubt, I couldn't have been more wrong. Why? The food was nothing short of spectacular, the service was accommodating, and the prices weren't as bad as I thought. The Goldie Lox (smoked salmon + eggs) couldn't have been more better prepared sporting a fluffy texture and a heavenly taste. Trying the other dishes (spinach & goat cheese omelette, farmer's omelette) only left me yearning for more. The service was fantastic as was the simple, yet homey decor. It may not be the most inexpensive restaurant, but the impression left was one that was worth all the money for one of the best brunch experiences I've had.
(5)
Nancy C.
The last time we went to brunch on the UWS, we went to Good Enough To Eat but we decided this time, it wasn't good enough, so we went to Sarabeth's. Even at 10 am, there was a bit of a wait, which wasn't surprising. We actually didn't have to wait very long...they told us 20 minutes in line, we waited maybe half that. It was crowded, but didn't bother me because I had an inside seat. Poor Henry...he was on the outside and was jostled by waiters and people waiting on line (note to self: ask for a table in the back next time!). We got coffee right away but had to wait awhile for someone to take our order. Once the orders were placed, the food came maybe ten minutes later. Yum! I ordered the lemon and ricotta pancakes. I highly recommend them, especially if you're a lemon lover (Henry thought they were too citrusy but to each her own, I suppose). I came with fresh blackberries and strawberries. Henry ordered the salmon eggs benedict, which was on a homemade English muffin, which Henry reports as "alright" and complained that the bottom of one of the muffins was overcooked and it was overpriced (15 dollars for two poached eggs but it's got lox on it, sooooo....yeah.) We shared a side of chicken sausage, which I recommend. All in all, it was a good experience, the restaurant itself is warm and inviting, the food was pretty good if on the expensive side but I would go back again, maybe earlier next time. (It opens at 8.)
(4)
Melissa W.
We went around 11am on yesterday's MLK Jr. Monday holiday, were told the wait for a table for 2 would be 40 minutes. Many people came in after us but turned down the offer to be added to the list. They should have stuck it out because 10 minutes later we were seated at an awesome little booth for 2. Based on the Yelp reviews I had to try those lemon ricotta pancakes and they did not disappoint. We also had the Eggs Benedict, which were served on a perfectly toasted fresh muffin that made them most likely the best I've ever had. The cappuccino was good, and I got a refill of regular coffee, which made me very happy. It wasn't cheap but I have seen much much worse. I thought it was a great brunch experience.
(4)
Elana N.
It's funny how the same restaurant is more highly rated for its' west side location than its' east. That said, it is a fabulous brunch to have if you're willing to fork over the $$. Only downside is the long wait on weekends, and the gamble for a nice waiter. I've eaten here a few times, and have dealt with very attentive ones, and very bitchy ones. It's a crapshoot I think. But the food and drink is some of the best I've had before noon.
(3)
Jenn L.
Nice brunch place on the UWS if you can handle the long waits. It's the perfect place to bring your parents but I'd avoid large groups because you'll never get seated. Most of their sweet breakfast items are great and I personally love their Eggs Benedict. Overall, it's a solid choice for brunch on the UWS (I've never been there for lunch or dinner) but the lines can get long and the prices aren't exactly cheap.
(3)
Bergdorf Brunette ..
I'm not sure why everyone loves this place. If I'm going to subject myself to the brunch-mob-scene, I'd rather go to Good Enough to Eat.
(3)
Andrew K.
OK, let's start with a disclaimer--I enjoy the absurdity of people milling about in a line in front of one of the many indistinguishable brunch spots on Amsterdam Ave on a Sunday, waiting patiently for the same 12 dollar bloody mary and 14 dollar omelette. But, as Sarabeth's consistently has one of the longest of these queues, my wife and I felt we had to give it a try. We got lucky and were able to walk right in, our 10 month son in tow. While we had read that SBs is a child friendly place, this turned out not to be the case. As soon as we sat down, the waiters rushed to take our order, eyeing our son as though he were a communicable disease. The entire meal was rushed, our bill was brought to us without our asking for it, the pancakes we had were cold. all and all, a forgettable meal. We won't be returning
(2)
Joshua G.
Great pancakes!!!!
(5)
Alfonso E.
Ya, I buy the hype. The brunch is simply fantastic, but the 'tude and the lines just don't attract me to the idea of making it a regular spot. But it's an easy destination when you do run out of Apricot preserve (their's is a must in every kitchen cabinet or pantry).
(4)
Abby W.
yummy brunch...do have to wait for whole party to arrive to be seated, if you go at a slightly less popular time of day for brunch you don't have to wait quite a long
(4)
nick s.
I wish I could give zero stars. Went for breakfast this morning and was beyond disappointed. I had the spinach and goat cheese omelette with a side of bacon. Now, the omelette comes out and I cut into it and loose eggs run all over the plate. Now, I am a big fan of loose omelettes, but this was absurd. There was enough runny egg to cover the whole plate! So I sent it back of course. While waiting for the eggs to come back, I ate some of the bacon. The only way to describe that bacon is disgusting. It was not just bad, it was gross. Ive had way better bacon at a truck stop in the midwest. On top of that, it was $6.50 for the side of bacon!!! What a rip! The omelette came out for the second time and it was of way over cooked. I felt angry paying my $39 for two breakfasts. I have walked by this place about 4,000 times seeing as I live up the block and always assumed that because there were so many people outside an UWS brunch spot that it must really SUCK, cause people on the UWS dont seem to mind paying out the a$$ for really terrible food, especially when it comes to brunch. I went to find out if I was right, and I was. I guess I will have to continue cooking brunch for me and my wife/friends or go other parts of the city.
(1)
Mariana L.
Ok, so you'll never get to ear here on the weekends for Brunch. The lines are insane, and the word has been out far too long already. If you come here during a weekday morning, it's quiet and calm with no wait. The lemon ricotta pancakes with a side of apricot sausage still invade my dreams.
(4)
M V.
a little less than so-so. no big whoop.
(2)
megan w.
A brunch classic, made all the better by its proximity to Zabar's. Best when it's snowing outside.
(5)
Ashley M.
Though we had to wait for Sunday morning brunch, they were right on the mark when they estimated 45 minutes and we spent the time nearby shopping. The eggs and omlettes are served with your choice of bread OR muffin with amazing homemade jam. Everything was wonderful. Great coffee, great omlettes, great muffins. Oh and to top it off Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were dining there too. You know a place is good when ....
(5)
A. T.
Don't get the potato pancakes. Otherwise the food is fairly decent all around, including the french toast dishes. Things on the menu are overpriced, but you are paying for the ambience.
(3)
Sam P.
And my 200th review goes to one of the loveliest and most unbeatable brunch places around. Believe the hype, wait the 50 minutes, it is worth it. Fluffy, delicious eggs, rich coffee, chicken apple sausage, lemon ricotta pancakes, pumpkin french toast, all served in an absolutely adorable British-tea-roomesque setting - and your food comes with a scone! A good scone! I love scones! Basically, the service is great, the prices are totally reasonable, and everything (literally everything) on the menu is as delectable as it looks. A few tips for beating the line, because yes, there will be one, and yes, it is disheartening. First, make friends with the hostess girls - they'll help you out, and they're all very friendly (and that's saying something for a popular NYC brunch place). Two, stick it out. Many impatient New Yorkers will cut out early. This will cut your waiting time in half. I adore Sarabeth's.
(5)
David F.
Not the most convenient place to wait for a table, but the line moved fast enough on a Sunday mid morning. The service was very attentive, and we had a nice quiet booth in the back. Jenny's omelet was tasty and fresh, my Popeye's breakfast was surprisingly tasty as well. The coffee was fresh and good, The apricot sausage was a disappointment because they were just regular sausages drenched in jam. (dam good jam though) all in all a very nice place for a treat, but a bit too pricey for a regular meal.
(4)
Jaime S.
brunch mecca. but it totally lives up to the hype. the wait can be atrocious on the weekends, but if you get there on the earlier side its actually not too bad. the eggs are impossibly fluffy here. i really am not sure how they do it. and fyi, they've recently implemented a new policy that they won't tell you how long your wait is until your entire party's arrived. i asked the hostess what brought this on and apparently they've had some "incidents" lately. not so sure what that means exactly, but you can use your imagination...
(5)
Alex H.
This place was okay, but I wouldn't go again. The wait was reasonable: just 20 minutes at 10 a.m. on a Sunday. Unfortunately, a crowd of about 15 people was hovering inside (near the doorway) and waiting for tables, because it was cold outside. We spent 20 minutes being jostled by the crowd and being asked by the waitress to get out of the way so she could get to tables to pour coffee. At some point, the hostess asked me who I was and told me she didn't have me on the list. She didn't remember talking to me. After some negotiation, they seated us at a booth table where I sat to the side of my brunch partner. There really wasn't enough room for both of us to sit with our feet under the table in that configuration. When I asked for a chair so I could sit opposite of my friend, they told me they didn't have enough chairs to offer me one. They kindly moved us to another table, next to a woman with a screaming toddler. (The mother eventually asked for a high chair, which apparently was not offered to her when they were first seated. The toddler had been running around the table throwing a tantrum. When they finally brought the high chair, the toddler was a bit happier.) The toddler notwithstanding, the restaurant was somewhat loud inside. My friend ordered a soda, but the soda machine was broken so we had to wait 10-15 minutes for the machine to be fixed and for her caffeine to arrive at the table. When we finished eating, no one seemed to notice. It took about 20 minutes to get our bill. The food was good, but the service and the atmosphere make this a definite thumbs down in my book.
(2)
Trystero T.
are you kidding me? this place is ridiculously expensive and the food's not much better than mediocre at best. wake up people. being ripped-off is a vicious cycle the more your self-esteem erodes the more you seek getting ripped off again to regain it ...
(1)
Adam S.
I am a sarabeth's regular and live around the corner. I've spent seemingly hundreds of dollars on their overpriced yet enjoyable brunch. They stop brunch at 4 pm on the weekends. I was sitting at my table by 3:40, (having even volunteered to sit outside to ease their burden inside.) The waiter came and gave us coffee quickly and then we didn't see him for almost 20 minutes. It was just before 4 and he finally came and took our order and the table next to us as well. He then, more than 5 minutes later came back and shoved lunch menus in our faces and said that he didn't get the order in before 4pm, so we could order lunch or drink our coffees and go. I spoke to the manager who didn't care. It's bad business. We left not eating their and I will not be going back. It is a sad day for me, but I can't seem to bring myself to go back and eat their crazy expensive food with that sort of negligence and disregard. :-(
(1)
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Address :2212 Middle Country Rd
Centereach, NY, 11720
Melinda C.
Someone asked me what's your favorite brunch in the city. Dayamnnnn..! Thass a hard question. Still, Sarabeth's--and this location in particular--comes to mind. (It hasn't won. As a jury of one, the jury's still out on this.) Why because... - It's cheery in spirit and decor as brunch in Melinda's dreams should be. - The food is consistently really yummy. - You'll leave full but not in the ughhhh-I'm-gonna-pass-out-with-food-coma way, more in the can-we-come-back-tomorrow way. What have I tried and would recommend... - either of the eggs benedict - four flowers juice - sunnyside up eggs - side of bacon - side of chicken apple sausage - buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and bananas - lemon and ricotta pancakes with berries - regular french toast with strawberries and bananas ::mental note: Whoa... that's odd. I've never had their pumpkin waffle. On the to do list.:: Man...... I don't even know if I should tell you my tip. Arghhhh fine... Here's my tip. Bring someone/thing to distract you while you wait for a table that will be 1.5-2 hrs long. I kid you not more than twice, just staying around with your party completely present, not giving the hostess attitude, actingggg exasperated at the ridiculously long wait, and then watching as people get fed up and leave... has gotten us tables for 2 and 3 within 30 mins. THERE! That's the secret.
(4)Richard S.
This has to be one of the best breakfast experiences I've had in a LONG time. Some friends and I came here (kinda reluctantly, since it was in the morning) and it was totally worth it. I was planning on getting some eggs that morning, but the lemon ricotta pancakes caught my eye, and so I couldn't resist as if it were a Victoria Secret model. I'm very glad I did get it, because it was phenomenal. The taste was just the right amount of "lemon" and had a great fluffy, creamy texture. Best pancakes I've probably ever eaten. I also had the chance to sample my friend's omelettes, and they were pretty good. The insides were very moist and soft, and there was a good amount of bacon/leek/potato ratio to eggs. My other friend got the Goldie Lox, and that was pretty good too. The lox itself was salty, but the combination of eggs and cream cheese with the lox proved to be delicious. I would highly recommend this place for breakfast or even a brunch. Definitely beats most breakfast joints.
(4)Eros A.
Came here for a breakfast meeting one morning and it was very lovely. I love breakfast outside and this offered just that, seating outdoors while sipping coffee and having a very enjoyable conversation. Food was just basic American breakfast, coffee, and some of the classics. Staff was a bit inattentive at first, but once we got their attention they just kept coming and checking on us. Another place that I could easily say that I will be going back to.
(4)Calvin H.
This place is a top brunch pick in the city. Certainly makes my top 5 list. I have eaten here several times, and the food is always excellent. Delicious. Eggs, french toast, pancakes - all are fabulous. So is the orange juice. Decor is nice. Eat here, be happy.
(5)Peco P.
This place is clearly overpriced. Not to mention the 18% gratuity included ... Compare it with places like "Public", "Extra Virgin" or "Five leaves" and you'll see the difference.
(1)Maggie P.
Guess what, Sarabeth's? I think I'm in love. Your restaurant reminds me of the interior of a oversized teacup. Your pastels make every day feel like Easter Sunday. Your eggs...fluffy. Delicious. I've gotten the Papa Bear porridge before - that's the kind with strawberries and bananas I think - and it's really solid but usually I go for the garden omelette, because I am a sucker for, of all things, broccoli, in my eggs. (12-year-old me, are you still in there somewhere?) Honestly this restaurant is relaly good but be mindful of who you take and when. DO take your girlfriends visiting from out of town. The only who won't mind waiting 40 minutes for a table outside because they, like you, love a "bread" basket filled with scones, biscuits and muffins. DON'T take your giant of a father who would rather crush a teacup than sit and eat in one. Yes, even though you know he'll wake up early enough to make a 8:45 reservation (Sarabeth's doesn't take reservations after 9.) He will NOT appreciate the delicacy of the lemon ricotta pancakes and will snarl at the bill.
(5)Cleo K.
Thus far in my journey to find the city's best eggs benedict, Sarabeth's sits at the number two spot. Their thick english muffin is delicious, and the extra spices don't get lost in the thick hollandaise sauce. It's extra yummy, especially with a Sarabeth's bloody marry, which are always poured generously and come with lots of spice and junk inside. For having the second best eggs benedict and the BEST bloody mary in the city, I should give Sarabeths a 5 rating. But they just jacked up the price on the eggs benedict by over 5 dollars a couple of months ago. In fact, they jacked up all of their prices. It's worth the price, but come on guys :)
(4)Kali M.
Really, really good breakfast/brunch. Hubby and I stopped here during our last visit to New York and thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast (eggs benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes). Being avid LA brunchers, any spot has quite a bit to live up to - and Sarabeth's held it's ground. It's certainly cramped and the ambiance is a titch lacking (somehow leaning toward the diner end of the spectrum), but hey, it's New York!
(4)Alex E.
AMAZING breakfast, just amazing. About the wait, if you can't get out of bed to get there by 8-9am on a weekend then call ahead for a reservation... that's all it takes.. I've heard people on line complain that they don't take breakfast recommendations for two people but have called them and was told that's simply not true. Every breakfast/brunch place has a long wait on the weekends... and I don't think you'll get these waffles or pancakes at a dinner up the block. I LOVE their pancakes - LOVE them, riccota and traditional. Omlettes are pretty good. Bakery items like toast and rolls are soo good (but I could just eat bread for three meals a day and be very happy!) Four flowers juice is a little hyped-up but it's yummy, and their teas are especially good. *very* upper west side vibe, which I kind of like, I've always been seated within earshot of some quirky people and it still doesnt feel too loud for me to enjoy an early morning meal. I've come here for dinner once, I think it was early on a friday evening, maybe 6-7 and the place was almost completely empty... had the meatloaf then which was just what I was in the mood for - very good mashed potatos on the side, though the whole thing was a touch saltier than I wold like.
(4)Zoey R.
Everyone needs a Jewish Uncle. Especially one that has an in at Sarabeth's. Mine goes by the name Uncle Bob. In a recent invitation to brunch he referred to Sarabeth's as "this neighborhood joint your aunt and I like to frequent." "Neighborhood joint?" I thought to myself, wondering if he was in-fact referring to the same Sarabeth's brand of hot chocolate and preserves seen on the top shelves of specialty food stores in places as far away from New York as San Francisco. "They make excellent hamburgers" he told me, trying to appeal to the staple food that every young American finds pleasurable. It was unnecessary. He had me at brunch. "Excellent," he continued, "the boss (my Aunt Kathy) and I will pick you up for our regular 11:30 reservation." True to my hopeful imagination, Sarabeth's is the originator of Sarabeth's preserves and hot chocolate, with Sarabeth's West as their original restaurant location. Their brunch menu consists of fresh and delicately prepared dishes with bright, fun names like a small bowl of porridge with milk and honey, "Baby Bear" (7) and similar offerings with the names "Mama Bear" and "Papa Bear." They also serve a variety of eggs and omeletts, sweet breakfast items like pancakes and french toast with fresh fruit, and lunch salads and sandwiches. There are, however, no burgers available on the brunch menu. "No burgers?" Uncle Bob asked of our waiter, "I promised my grand niece here one of your famous sirloin burgers." "It's okay Uncle Bob," I retorted, "I was really actually eyeballing the Salmon Eggs Benedict with Irish smoked salmon (15.50)." "I'll have the Opened Faced Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sandwich with matchstick fries (15.50)," Aunt Kathy chimed in. "I really wanted that burger," Uncle Bob replied in defeat. "Is Stephen (Executive Chef Stephen Meyers) in?" he asked inquisitively. "Tell him Bob's here. I'll have my usual sirloin burger (price unknown)." "Oh," our waiter uttered in noticed realization, "Bob. I'm sure Chef will be glad to hear you're here." My eggs were silky smooth and perfectly cooked, contrasting a fluidity in texture to the flakiness of the smoked salmon. The slightly acidic Hollandaise sauce further blended the two ingredients and its flavors. My aunt's crab cakes were some of the best crab cakes I've had -- fresh chunks of crab meat, not overly breaded, and served fresh so as not to get soggy. The fries were excellent as well. Fresh and thinly cut, they were crispy, not greasy, and lightly seasoned. The burger? "Perfect," Uncle Bob uttered with a sigh of content, "this place never disappoints."
(4)Susan H.
When in NYC, we often like to go to AMNH to see their latest exhibits. Sarabeth's has become our favorite place to stop for breakfast before heading to the Museum. What brings us back again and again is their eggs benedict. I like mine with lox while my husband likes his the traditional way---with Canadian bacon. At Sarabeth's there is an unusual touch---a mixed greens salad served along with the eggs benedict, on the same plate. Interestingly enough, it works well together! Who would have ever thought that? Like many NYC restaurants, seating is cramped. Service can be somewhat spotty. Sometimes the servers are prompt and attentive---other times, not so much. Also, even though we go during the week and for a late breakfast, it's hard to predict if the place will be busy or not. There were times we went when there were many empty tables, while other times the place was almosty entirely filled. However, we've never had to wait for a table.
(4)Laura P.
Worth the wait. My friend and I waited for about 45 minutes for a table, but I was expecting this, considering how much of a staple it is in the UWS. I was very impresed with our service. The place was packed but we never were over looked for more coffee or water refills. Also our food was pretty quick coming out. The food was deicious. I ordered the goldie lox. Which is a salmon and cream cheese scramble with a homemade english muffin. Everything was delicious and I can't wait to try more.
(4)Rachel H.
Best Bloody Mary's EVER. A little on the expensive side for brunch, and about a 45 minute wait - however, the booze alone made it worth it. The food was pretty delish as well.
(4)Liz M.
Having been away from home for a solid year now I have to say brunch at Sarabeth's is one of the things I miss the most. I would often do Sunday brunch here with my girlfriend or some friends. I think the longest I ever had to wait was 30 minutes. I usually ordered the Lemon Ricotta pancakes and they were always delicious, topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar. The texture was what surprised me the most. I expected pancakes made with cheese to have a heavier, bulkier taste but these were perfectly light and fluffy. The lemon is very subtle, just enough to have me ordering these on a regular basis. I'm also a huge fan of their iced tea - not because it's so life changing but because they bring it to you in this cute little pitcher with a lemon slice. My experiences with the waitstaff at Sarabeth's have always been positive - I've never felt forgotten about, even when it's super busy and I'm sitting outside. Also, I brought my brother here once (he was 3 at the time) and the waiter that morning was very nice, and accommodating - even when he accidentally knocked a full glass off the table and it broke. Just a note: usually when I go to brunch I order things I can't (or am unwilling to) make for myself, like eggs benedict and such. I feel like paying money for pancakes is dumb - but Sarabeth's is totally worth it.
(5)ed e.
Dinner.... A good 3rd choice and don't expect much. When I left I felt like I wasted money and time. Stick to to the food they make before 2pm.
(2)Chad H.
This place is decent. I went here for brunch one day on my trip to NYC last fall. The wait was fairly long, which sucked, but that's understandable for a weekend brunch place. I ordered the cream cheese and green onion scramble. It supposedly came with an english muffin, but the muffin was more like a biscuit. The scramble itself was good enough, except the cream cheese was barely mixed in (see pic). Why would I want just a giant lump of cream cheese? Anyway, check it out if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way.
(3)R Y.
Rating for Brunch. I'm being nice about the rating because the atmosphere was nice. Food was mediocre. Went on a friend's recommendation and the portions were relatively small for price. I had their omelet. Eggs weren't as fluffy as I liked, but I do have to hand it to them. Their muffin was delicious. I also sampled my friends' dishes- ricotta pancake (nothing special- just smaller than normal pancake and maybe a little richer, but it definitely needed a little more creamier texture and less lemon), frenchtoast (bland at best) and waffle with chicken sausage (savory dish and very plentiful)
(3)Kealan C.
I know this place is famous, I know you may feel like you need to check it off the list, by all means, do. Those expectations, though? Lower them. My boyfriend was super sweet on Valentine's Day - left for work as usual, but came home 15 minutes later with flowers and goodies and a request that I put on some pants because we were going to breakfast. Yes, he wanted me to put my pants ON. Look, we've been together for a long time and I was unemployed: putting pants on, at the time, was reserved for special occasions. So we walked up the street to Sarabeth's - a place that as new-ish UWSers we felt compelled to visit. The gesture was sweet and romantic and special, and that portion was perfection. Sarabeth's didn't contribute much to the moment, though. I suppose I was expecting something a little more refined, a little more "uptown", but I'm not really sure what Sarabeth's is besides a glorified Denny's. The decor was a little dated, a little shabby, and a little too reminiscent of a nursing home. Hmm . . . now that I think about it, Sarabeth does sort of sound like a grandma name. Not sure that it's really worth it.
(3)Scott Y.
For almost a year and a half, I have lived on the Upper West Side. Throughout this time, I have heard all about how it is the brunch capital of the known universe. I know about the big four. I have even been to most of them for non-brunch meals. I don't like to wait for tables, though. I really don't believe that there is much reason to wait for a table in a city that has so many great restaurant options. As a result, I had never done the real UWS brunch thing. That all changed yesterday, though. I have started working from home a lot lately. Yesterday, I decide to go a little outside of my typical lunch radius to grab pizza at a new place. On my way there, I passed Sarabeth's and realized that there was no line. I wasn't sure if I had time to do a full, sit-down meal; but I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm not a very adventurous eater when it comes to the cuisines of other cultures, because I have a fairly weak stomach and don't like eating meals if I'm not sure what kind of spices are in them. I am a very adventurous eater when it comes to combining random American ingredients in unconventional ways, however. So when I saw lemon ricotta pancakes, I figured they would be worth a shot. The pancakes were slightly larger than silver dollar pancakes, but not the size of typical diner pancakes. They were considerably thinner than the typical pancake, but they gave you more of them, and they were absolutely awesome. They were cooked perfectly, and the lemon and ricotta provided a nice, yet very subtle, twist. If I was going to make one minor criticism, it would be that I feel like they should give you a little more syrup. Other than that, everything was awesome. Also, including the 14 block walk from my apartment, my whole brunch only took an hour. I liked Sarabeth's so much, I may try to hit all of the big four for comparison.
(4)MJ H.
MJ's Star : 3.5 Price : Potato Waffle 12, Salmon Eggs Benedict 15, Coffee 3.50 (except tip & tax)
(4)Charlie D.
I was anxious to try dinner at sarabeths after not much being said about it on yelp. I went here for Sunday dinner and the ever-so-important meet the significant other dinner with my family. I was surprisingly impressed with everything about our meal. The tomato soup was the best I've ever tasted, fish special was unique and not too heavy, and bread pudding for dessert was perfect. Our waitress was especially lovely at guiding us through the best items on the menu and making us feel warm and welcome in the restaurant. I would totally come back for dinner again.
(4)Au G.
I do not do brunches; I have never understood the point of having brunches with people on the weekends. I am barely human at any time appropriate for brunch, not to mention that I cannot talk nicely or look nicely. Moreover, this is the critical issue: if you eat brunch, what about lunch? I would like to squeeze in as many instances of gastronomic delights in my day; therefore, I do not like to be cheated out of a meal, if I can help it. On the other hand, breakfast in bed, now that I can understand. It even carries a hint of the decadent eroticism - feathered slippers and silky dressing gowns...too many French movies, I agree. Papa Bear - hot porridge, strawberries, bananas, fresh cream, raisins, honey My lazy metabolism refuses to get started unless I feed it some fuel; and the only fuel it accepts in the morning is sugar. My brain, running on low blood sugar, has always had a hard time deciding between Papa Bear and Big Bad Wolf - fruits & cream v. brown sugar & butter; but this day, I leaned toward Papa Bear. Strawberries in December were looking pale and tasted paler; but it was not a problem that liberal swirls of honey and cream could not fix. Their warm porridge was freshly cooked, not relentlessly stewed, so that each grain was still separate and visible and retained its plump, grainy texture - instead of a mash of cardboard pulp to make recycled paper. Spooning up a huge spoonful of strawberry and banana slices on top of the creamy porridge, with the mixed in honey and cream visibly enticing and dotted with raisins, life was not so bad after all. Salmon Eggs Benedict - Irish smoked salmon, Hollandaise sauce, peppers, chives Eggs Benedict is a dish that appears deceptively simple, but it is not. It requires each layer to not only be perfect but also to web into a coherent whole: First of all, the eggs - the yolk must be runny but the white must be firm; Second, the hollandaise must be creamy but not heavy; Third, the protein cannot be Oscar Mayer; Fourth, the bread must be an English muffin - halved, and; Fifth, an extra touch - e.g. a sprinkle of fresh herbs - will complete the dish. Sarabeth's does each and all elements beautifully: First, the eggs are consistently cooked perfectly - I despise wobbling and runny egg whites (it rather reminds me of, well, snivel; now I have said it); Second, the hollandaise is light and airy; Third, I prefer smoked salmon as the supporting actor as it lends a certain glamour and sophistication, and Sarabeth's smoked salmon is tender but not fatty (some unfortunate and undesirable smoked salmons are so fatty that they are orange version of fatty tuna - wrong!); Fourth, the English muffin here is not the flattened and squashed one of half a dozen in a paper tray, but it has enough height, even when halved, to allow you a satisfying bite and chew, and; Fifth, chopped chives and peppers are perched charmingly and aromatically on the eggs. Ahhh, the thrill of the first cut into the eggs sends a shiver down my spine. Pumpkin Waffle Topped with Sour Cream, Raisins, Pumpkin Seeds and Honey The above two dishes are the tried and true favorites, marked by a bright red stamp of approval. This "new" item - pumpkin waffle - for trial on this day was both inventive and disappointing. The use of sour cream, in place of whipped cream, stimulated debate on the merits at the table. However, the first bite solved the issue once and for all: They matched. The sweetness of the pumpkin and the sourness of the cream embraced each other lovingly. In addition, the reduced liquidity level in the sour cream permitted the waffle to remain independently dry - instead of turning the waffle eating into a race against seepage. One thing that I must absolutely emphasize is that the accompanying condiments are served separately in tiny ramkins so that you can add as much as you want and when you want it. Don't I just abhor places where by the time the waffle has arrived, the whipped cream has already half-melted from the heat and eroded a big messy hole in my waffle? Whipped cream stay on the side, please. As a finishing touch, the well toasted pumpkin seeds rendered the crunchy nuttiness to the entire assemble. Therefore, you may wonder what indeed the problem was. The problem was the waffle itself: The texture was dense and heavy. A waffle - we are not talking about Belgian waffles here - should be crispy on the outside but fluffy inside. Sarabeth's pumpkin waffle was neither crispy nor fluffy, which usually indicates either an inadequate amount of baking powder or eggs in the batter. However, in the case of pumpkin waffle, it is more likely due to the wet pumpkin puree, which will make it difficult to rise; thus, the air could not be captured inside to create the requisite fluffiness. Yet, I would have liked to be surprised by a more expert rendition of the pumpkin waffle problem.
(4)T T.
Was visiting from out of town and came here due to the good reviews I read. We arrived on a Friday at 11am and were seated immediately which was nice. I was worried about the wait. We ordered Eggs Benny which were good and the famous Lemon Ricotta pancakes which again were good but I guess from all the good reviews I was expecting to the be wowed which I wasn't. The decor at the front of the restaurant was nice and light but we sat in the back of the restaurant which kinda dark and the decor reminded me of an 80s hotel restaurant or something. All in all the food was good but not really worth the price or if I had to wait.
(3)Sam S.
It's a Sarabeth's; great soup, a strong Bloody Mary, and a hell of a long line, which might be worth it if you decide you want chic ambiance, attentive service, and (optionally wholesome) WASP food. Yum. Yum. Yum. Tomato soup, somehow, is a signature here. The coffee is also pretty good. I can't say I've managed to stick it out through the brunch lines here in years (I prefer to go when it's less packed), but it's worth it.
(5)Ashley R.
Best breakfast place ever! Seriously, this place is so cute. The inside is so quaint and homey. I felt like I was eating at some cute B&B on the New England coast. Yes, it's a little pricey but the food is excellent. I had delicious french toast and my boyfriend got the pancakes. We also ordered the basket of biscuits and muffins with preserves and we got the preserves sampler to take home because they were so yummy! The muffins weren't half bad either ;) We couldn't sit outside because it was pouring down rain but I bet it would be fun to just sit outside and leisurely drink coffee and enjoy your breakfast.
(5)Annie R.
Sometimes I don't want to like something, just because it is so well liked, you know? I cant help it with Sarabeths, the food is great and the service is on point. Yes there is a line, great food will usually do that to a place. The lemon ricotta pancakes are perfect in terms of balance with flavor, last weekend I had their pumpkin waffle with pumpkin seeds/raisins, it was equally wonderful. Great brunch, just go a bit early/you will have to wait.
(4)Jane R.
This place is definitely overrated, but I still enjoyed it for what it is. I came here for a bachelorette brunch, and it was ... fine. Line is ridiculous, but apparently, outdoor tables are first come, first served, unbeknown to us after almost 45 minutes. I was not happy to see someone swoop in to take a table without even waiting. Bloody Mary - huge but not as delicious as I expected it. Way too much alcohol and I could barely taste the tomato juice. Fat & Fluffy French toast -- well, I ate it all, if that counts for anything. How I felt afterwards was a different story. I'm always looking for food that won't leave me feeling disgusting afterwards, not to say that this did in its entirety, but I just felt a little queasy afterwards. I'd go back and try the benedict if I could. It's just a name ... so sometimes you just have to see it for yourself.
(3)Tim N.
I didn't think Sarabeth's was anything to write home about. We had the potato waffles and the salmon benedict. Both were good, but I won't be coming back here anytime soon. So far I thought Popover Cafe was more delicious and they have popovers! yum!
(3)lynne t.
I was so mad I had to wait a week and a half before writing this. I live right around the corner from Sarabeths, and wanted to take a friend visiting from out of town for a nice brunch, where we might be able to sit outside and enjoy the day. Much to my surprise, and despite the long line, I was told that our wait would only be 25 minutes. After about AN HOUR, I went in to see what the new ETA would be. They said there was one table of 4 before us (we had 3 people) and that we were next. Fifteen minutes later, that table of 4 was called, so we knew we were the next ones. A table for 4 opened up outside, which was exactly what my friend was hoping for. But a family of 3 appeared out of no where, went inside and spoke to someone and were immediately seated at that table. OUR TABLE which we had waited 1-1/2 hours for!!!! I was livid!!! The person manning the list had the nerve to tell me they were before me on the list, but she didn't know I had checked on that and saw for myself earlier that we were next. Even though she had a table coming right up, I couldn't eat there. I was SO mad.
(1)preya s.
I dont get what all the fuss is about this place. It was just ok. We waited- which is standard. I ordered eggs- they were ok. Hubby got french toast- again just ok. BUT all 3 stars are for their preserves which are AMAZING!!!! I buy a bottle and use it on a mascarpone cake that I bake at home and its delish. (message me if u want the recipe) They sell their preserves at quite a few grocery stores. I know what my peeps in Phoenix are getting for Christmas!
(3)Michelle L.
Tasty lemon and ricotta pancakes! -- And I'm not crazy about lemony foods. The leeks and bacon omelette was well seasoned, had just the perfect amount of cheese (without over-cheesing) and was a good portion. We got there at the tail end of brunch on a Sunday and stayed for three hours and the service was friendly and attentive the whole time.
(4)Jake K.
After hearing about the long lines and other delights of this popular brunch spot, I was glad to see that we were able to grab a table right away. Granted, it was a Thursday morning and not a whole lot of tourists end up on the upper west side looking for a meal. My wife wanted to stop by this spot and check it out on a referral from one of her friends who visited NY a while back so off we went. After a quick subway ride and a brief stroll, we walked into Sarabeth's and were promptly seated. The menu had plenty of epicurean delights - I was most intrigued by the pumpkin pie french toast. However, since it was nearly 1:00 PM, I opted to get the chicken pot pie while my wife ordered the eggs benedict. The pot pie didn't disappoint - there was a nice wad of crust placed into my bowl and her eggs came out on a whole english muffin each - not the norm in other mom and pop joints looking to save a buck. The coffee was nice and strong - but not too bitter. It certainly was a smooth roast that deserved me asking to take a cup on the go, which the staff happily obliged. I could have done without the panty-waist sitting next to me detailing his existential bout with a panic attack from flying on an airplane - I mean seriously, do you think that's the right story to impress your date? PUH-leeze. Wait, did I just say 'puh-leeze?' I should go and kick my own ass now...
(4)Diana C.
I came here for brunch on a Saturday. There was a 30 minute wait but we decided to wait anyway, since their food smelled so delicious. I had an omelet with ham and cheese with a side of a croissant. I'm not a huge fan of breakfast foods, but it was pretty good overall.
(4)Pam L.
Reviewed: 12/31/2009 Good brunch, friendly staff members, and cute decor This is my third visit to Sarabeth's West and despite the usual wait (they don't take reservations), I was still as excited as a fat kid who is ready to dive into a 3 layered cake. Those who hate crowds however, should probably skip this place because I guarantee you, THERE WILL BE A CROWD with a wait of approximately 20 - 30 minutes. My favorite entrée, the Eggs Benedict w/ Salmon-- Irish smoked salmon and Hollandaise sauce, topped with peppers and chives--was the ultimate indulgence. I would also add that their waffles, buttermilk pancakes, and french toast spread with fresh strawberries and bananas are all equally delicious. I wouldn't recommend their omelettes though, as I did not recall screaming, "YUMMMYYYY!!" when I tried them on my first visit. My friend ordered "Sarabeth's Famous Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup" - and trust me, it's equivalent to a whole entrée, their soup portions are huge and extremely hearty & filling. The soup tasted nothing like the common tomato soup though...it was rich and creamy (yum!) and reminded me of lobster bisque w/ a hint of tomato after taste. Overall, I would say the service was adequate and the food was good and delightful, but not superb. I still have yet to try "The Almond Encrusted French Toast"..which is only served on the weekends. Oh well, there's always next time!
(3)Max M.
Came back with some friends. Finally tried the ricotta pancakes and was very happy with them. :-) But again, ended up stealing most of my boyfriend's salmon Benedict. Some of my other friends went for the egg dishes and say that they were a bit disappointed. But my boyfirend said that the 4 fruit juice was really good.
(4)Austin G.
Over 5 trips here.. all have been par or a little less than par. We heard brunch was good (haven't been), but so far dinner has not impressed. Most recently both our meals were overcooked and wait was over an hour late night in an empty restaurant.. maybe it has something to do with the time. We usually eat around 8.. but if you're good, you should always be..
(3)Abacut C.
Sarabeth's bakery, at first looking at the front of the store i wonder if it was just another kitchen replica that nyc is so fond of, that shows crappy furniture for the rich to window shop and the rest to mock. So i basically spent 15 minutes deciding if i should enter while people walked past me thinking i was asking for money in front of a bakery. OK moving of topic , as i enter it look like the only way i was going to get served was if i had a Iphone and a hipster look but that wasn't the case, there was only one hipster with not so skinny jeans. But the serves was fair and the place looked cozy and the people were nice, as for the food, i only stuffed my face on cookies that came to a total of $22 and scones that stole my breath away i think or maybe i was choking and processed it a different way. hmm. Anyway if you love bake goods and have and extra $25 rent free then i suggest hit this spot , and if you didn't enjoy come back to me to so you can enjoy a nice trash on me.
(4)Cecilia C.
Cute ambiance but the tea afternoon sandwiches were not good. Sandwiches were bland and sooo expensive for what it is. We also had the club sandwich, nothing exceptional neither. I'll come back for just a tea or coffee next time.
(3)Ro N.
OMG I seriously I have been wanting to come here for the past 2 years, but never wanted to wait for 2 hours for party of 2. I finally found one Sarabeth's that had an opening at 3 pm....seriously, 3 pm brunch? We ended up taking it and H got the Four Flower Mimosa and I ended up getting the Bloody Mary. I usually would get Mimosa, but I find champagne gives me the worst headache. The Bloody Mary was good and strong without tasting like alcohol and I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the Four Flower Mimosa! We got the Goldie Lox - I do enjoy a good smoked salmon and it was just delectable! Lemon And Ricotta Pancakes with fresh berries - yums and I skipped the maple syrup and rubbed the fruit jam all over the pancakes. H drowned the pancakes with the syrup. I really love these pancakes and it's weird since I don't even like ricotta. I was really shocked that I actually liked this dish and I thought the combination sounded off-putting, but so glad that I was willing to try it. I definitely want to come back here again, but perhaps earlier than 3 pm!
(4)Charles A.
Be prepared to wait, wait and wait. Told 30 minute wait for Sunday brunch. After 40 minutes I had to ask how much longer and was told another 20 minutes. Poor form and by looking at the food, it didn't look worth waiting one more minute for. Blah.
(1)Clare S.
A 4:00 PM tea on a Thursday afternoon in a virtually empty restaurant should be at least a "good" experience, but not at Sarabeth's. This is a tasteless, rip-off meal. The $19 Tea included sandwiches made of dried-out bread with extremely thin fillings, a tiny biscuit-shaped scone, and about 5 cookies. Bread, scone, cookies----all cheap carb foods. Tea was ok, but waiter never came back until I asked for the check. The three-tier sandwich serving stand was rusty. Plus side: Hostess was very pleasant and room was attractive. Don't bother with this place unless you are looking for just a spot to sit down for a few minutes.
(1)Ryan D.
At the suggestion of Alex P, "Gay Brunch" has been reignited. I used to do occasional gay brunches with Scott B. - our current crew is the aforementioned Alex and Scott, as well as Scott's boyfriend, the always wonderful Cory. Given that one of the last of these brunches (over a year ago) happened at Sarabeth's East, and given that it was pretty much my favorite meal, I thought trying out the west side location was in order. I guess I told Alex the wrong place and he went to the east side. Why is this relevant? While Alex was on his way, the extremely rude and busted hostess would not seat us. Even after we explained the situation. So don't expect people to be polite here I guess, especially if you are being nice first (we totally were and there was totally space). Once he got there, there was a table right away, so I guess ultimately it wasn't a big deal. But I hate when something like that sours an experience before it begins. The waitress was busy, but super nice and pleasant. She forgot to give me coffee during the drink order part, but made up for it by making sure I had refills really fast for the rest of the time. The food took kind of long to come out, maybe even a little too long for it being too busy, but eh. I was in no rush. I had the apple cinnamon french toast (probably what I got at the east one a year ago) and it was AMAZING. Also got their rum punch cocktail which was excellent, and bacon which was sadly undercooked. The first few cups of coffee? Heaven. It's recommended, but that snotty girl subtracted the 4-stars I would have given this place had that not happened.
(3)Amy L.
Our party had the big fluffy french toast and the pumpkin waffles with honey and sour cream. These were great creations. The look of the place was like a higher-end cafe, with prices that reflected it. Nice breakfast and/or brunch date.
(4)Nikolay K.
Great brunch. Very pretty decor and pleasant atmosphere.
(4)Sara P.
My go-to for brunch on the UWS. Unpretentious and delicious. Need a reservation though, gets packed. All of the egg-based dishes are amazing without being greasy, and the lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing. GO HERE.
(5)Heather H.
I was a little "meh" on Sarabeth's since I didn't think the food was that awesome. Good, but not knock your socks off. I did like the decor. It's always nice to eat in a bright, cheerful restaurant. Then! The last time I was there I ordered a mimosa and instead of it being one glass, it is served with a mini bottle of champagne and a little pitcher of puree. That all came out to four glasses of delight. Sweet.
(3)Reg Z.
Ate brunch here, the food was good but not as good as I was led to believe. My omelette was over cooked and not that flavorful, the pancakes and French toast two of the others had were good. The bread and preserves served were easily the highlight, but I'm not that big of a bread eater so it didn't really do it for me. Either way, the waitress was above average for NY, meaning she was overworked yet still was friendly to us. Overall, a decent brunch
(3)Jennifer S.
Sarabeth's is just lovely. Everything about it is excellent - the menu, the service, the FOOD!!! Since my last review, I have been a number of times (including for dinner - yum!) and I've never left dissatisfied. On top of their green and white eggs, their potato-waffles are superb, as is their tomato soup!!! The experience is well worth the wait, but if you go early (before 11), you may beat the line!
(5)Anya R.
If I was rating it purely on food, service, and ambiance, I would give it 5 stars. But it gets a downgrade due to the fact that they won't take weekend reservations. I understand that many popular places don't take brunch reservations but it definitely lessens the experience when you have to wait outside for at least half hour. You can't even wait inside! But the decor here is super cute and I definitely feel more at home than at the Upper East Side location. The food and drinks are sublime. I think they have the best omelettes around. My favorite breakfast item is the potato waffles with chicken apple sausage. The four flowers juice is also always delicious!
(4)M. C. M.
Not worth the wait. Had been wanting to try brunch here for over a year, but the wait is always so discouraging - 1-2 hours sometimes. We arrived and were told 35 mins. 1 hr and 10 mins later.... we were were seated. Our waitress was great. The brunch menu sounds delicious, but it didn't meet expectations. We tried the farmer's omlet, eggs benny, and french toast. All meh, average at best. Not likely to return. Though I remain a loyal consumer of Sarabeth's jams...the best!
(3)Robert V.
Excellent, clean,very popular, but definitely more expensive than $$ rating. $ 14.50 French Toast and $ 4.00 coffee is $$$$ Enjoy and forget the cost for now...
(4)Umesh P.
I came to UWS with my friend for brunch to go to a place her friend had suggested her and it turned out that the place is actually on UES, ha. So I pulled out my baby the iPhone and got onto one of my fav app- Yelp and decided to goto Sarabeth's. We had to wait around 15 min to get in. I liked the decor and the arrangement nice cozy and little old style. Started of with the Four Flower Juice which was pretty good and is surely worth a try. My friend got Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries. It had a slight tangy taste and my friend loved it. I didn't it that exciting though. I got the Salmon Eggs Benedict which I surely relished. You can see the picture of it here on its Yelp page, the one with yellow sauce. I thought just the color itself was quite attractive and tasted really good with the English muffin. The yellow yolk nicely flowing around, aah I think it was quite delicious. I wanna come by here again and try some other specialties.
(3)Nic L.
A great brunch location but expect to wait since they don't accept reservations until 3pm. Also by "great" I mean the food. The service is good, the ambiance is boring. I love the green & white omlette & the Four Flowers juice (signature drink); and you can't leave with trying their jam, that's a given. Come for bruch fare; expect great food but not much else.
(3)Sarina W.
Ok what is it with NY and brunch?! Seriously, it makes no sense to me. Brunch is suppose to be after breakfast and before lunch. Like a fusion of the two. But in NYC, brunch goes on until 4pm. To me, that just means you can order breakfast until late in the day essentially. Well, I decided to check out Sara Beth's for Sunday brunch. Luckily there was no wait. The place is very cute inside and very quaint indeed. Menu selection is decent but not plentiful. Prices are a bit high but not unreasonable. But the food itself is just ok. I can't give it such a high rating because I felt with the amount I'm paying, the food should be very good and it was just alright and a bit too plain and dull for my taste.
(2)Barbara J.
Forget the long brunch lines. Sarabeth's does wonderful dinners. The staff was attentive. The creamy tomato soup was really something special and the lobster roll, stacked high, tasted of the sea, At $19 it was a pretty good deal. With a small pitcher of sangria to share with my friend, we didn't have room for dessert. Guess I'll have to come back again soon as the desserts at the next table looked homey and fabulous.
(5)Tom G.
There's certainly nothing wrong with this place, but in the end it just seemed like a slightly better than average breakfast for about twice what I'd pay eating in a less posh NY diner. Bonus points for being so close to an M-79 stop, so after filling up on omelets and home fries you can indulge in Vampire Weekend reveries as you ride across the park to the Met.
(3)Ph B.
I really like this Sarabeth's (and not so much any of the others). The sausage with apricots, home fries and the lemon ricotta pancakes are near the top of the list. On weekday trips to the city I often have a free morning and have found going here when you can sit outside and have the time to hang out while the place and Amsterdam aren't busy is first rate. Rarely go on weekend mornings when it competes with Grand Central for traffic flow.
(4)Lisa N.
Came here on a Friday after touring CBS studios. It was extremely cold and Sarabeth's was a pefect remedy. The inside has a lovely interior. I especially love the black & white photos. The bathrooms are very clean! That's always a plus. It looks small but as you walk towards the back, its HUGE! We only had to wait about 10 minutes before we were seated. My group was the youngest amongst 35+ year old crowd. It is a great place to take your family! It is very kid friendly! I got to try a bunch of different things and the choices I recommend are: -french toast -red omelette -big bad wolf porridge -pork sausage in apricot sauce I spent $25 including tip and tax
(5)Nicole F.
Loved this place! Perfect for brunch. We did have a wait but in NY on a Sunday, that is expected. Well worth the wait!
(4)L A.
Came on a Sunday for brunch. Got seated pretty quickly for a table of 3. The almond French toast was delicious along with the apple sausage. I also tried the farmer's omelet which should be rich with gruyere cheese, but there was only a small piece of the cheese so it made the omelet pretty tasteless. The pumpkin muffin was also dry. The decor is cute and great for groups.
(3)H. G.
Wow. Talk about not living up to the hype. The last time I remember being so disappointed was when I saw the movie Crash. As I fully expected when we decided to go here, there was a very long wait. Close to an hour for brunch. Fine, it's popular and I'm willing to wait for great food. It was also a nice day, so standing outside didn't seem so bad. But it wasn't great food. I got the the smoked salmon eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce ($17.50). The salmon tasted like something I would buy at a gas station vending machine (not that I would buy smoked salmon at a gas station... just saying), and the sauce was watery and metallic tasting. She got the buttermilk pancakes with fresh strawberries ($16), and they were doughy and heavy. It also didn't help that the four most annoying girls in NY were sitting next to us talking at the top of their lungs and wearing sunglasses indoors (made me think of Larry David, who once said, "Do you know who wears sunglasses indoors? Blind people and a-holes"). Not the restaurant's fault, obviously, but I wanted to go Dexter on them. Sarabeth, you sound like a nice girl and all, but your restaurant kind of sucks...
(2)Yoly O.
Since most everyone else seems to place a review about brunch, I thought it would be nice for people to know about their regular dinner menu. I made a reservation for a Saturday night, so didn't have to wait for a table. The staff was friendly, curtious and efficient. I had their creamy tomato soup, which was incredible.... smooth and creamy yet filled with chunks of tender tomato, onions and other veggies. I had the shrimp risotto for the main course, which was delicious and filling. I topped off the dinner with their creamy cheesecake for dessert and enjoyed the whole meal with a nice bottle of white wine that was affordable and delicious. Such a nice experience with great service. Now I'm looking forward to their brunch and will post about it later.
(4)Adam C.
My friend and I visited this location on 8/4/13 between 3:30-4:30PM. We were seated almost immediately upon walking in. After about 5 -10 minutes the server, Carlos, finally walked up and said "Are you ready to order?" No introduction, no "Hi, my name is ___ and I will be taking care of you today," etc. We ordered our food and drinks. I ordered water because I do not like Coke products. My friend ordered an alcoholic beverage. The server came over and filled our waters 1-2 times, but never asked my friend if she wanted a 2nd drink. I ordered the chicken pie, which was absolutely delicious (and is the only reason why this review received 2 stars. The server never followed up with us during the meal, but after waiting 5-10 minutes after we had both finished the server brought dessert menus. At this point, we were done and wanted to leave. Very disappointed in this entire experience.
(2)Sandie B.
LOVE!!! Had brunch here twice in the last week and loved it both time. The wait is crazy on the weekends, but the potato waffle is so worth it!
(4)Jason B.
My wife & I ate here while visiting friends in the neighborhood. The Red Sauce Omelette is very good, and comes with a delicious muffin and jam! One of my friends is a BIG FAN of the Lemon and Ricotta pancakes. Big enough that she has looked up the recipe and cooked them at her own place.
(4)Jonathan J.
So apparently, the opinion around the block is that this place is a great spot for brunch. Needless to say, I did not come here for that reason. Instead, I planted myself down for a late Monday night dinner. Luckily we got a seat outdoors, as it was a beautiful NYC night and dove right into the menu. I was in the mood for fish and luckily the menu has an ample supply of just that. I was stuck on four menu items - fish tacos, shrimp scampi, the halibut special and the lobster roll. After inquiring with the waiter I decided on the fish tacos, which was apparently his favorite, as well as an order of sauteed spinach. My partner in crime ordered the macaroni and cheese app drizzled with truffle oil (her favorite) and the pumpkin ravioli in balsamic vinegar. We also succumb to an order of sangria. Overall, the food was clean, neat and well prepared. The fish taco portions were huge, though I felt the apps were a bit small. The sangria was delicious but the "pitcher" they offer is a bit on the tiny side. What I loved most was that the food was simple, yet flavorful. The guacamole in the fish taco was the best part and I can still taste its fluffiness on my palate. mmmm I am only giving this review 3 stars because I expected a bit more from them, next time i'll be sure to try them for brunch as it seems that is their specialty.
(3)Annie P.
Brunch spot. The buttermilk pancakes here are so yummy, and I'm not a huge pancake fan. There's always a line here on the weekends so I'd recommend coming early if you don't want to wait, or come late for brunch 2/3pm. I usually get the buttermilk pancakes, goldie lox or the salmon eggs benedict here. The orange juice is super good here too.
(4)Robert P.
Came in the other day for dinner and had an amazing server- Katie. She greeted us with a warm smile and guided us through the menu. The food was delicious! Would definitely go back. Have been in for brunch in the past- which was even better!
(5)Laura G.
Great service. Good margarita. Good presentation All the rest do the food bland not bad just bland. Goat cheese ravioli sauce bland all bland. Strip steak okay, fries okay, Caesar salad bland. Cobbler bland. Nice ambiance. Could be a 4+ if the chef added some kind of spice.
(3)Lauren L.
Overrated and past its prime. We waited for 40 minutes for brunch which we were expecting. After the long wait and by the time we ordered, what we didn't expect was that we were told that we couldn't have any bread because our eggs benedict came with bread. I mentioned that with the long wait outside in the cold, bread would be appreciated. The server said sure - for $2.50. When our eggs benedict finally arrived, it was so overcooked we had to send it back and wait some more. After all that, they still had the stones to charge us for the extra bread we had to order lest we pass out from waiting. We will never be going back to Sarabeths....totally not worth it.
(1)kay b.
contrary to the debilitating pressure to try sarabeth's west for brunch, i of course am the rule breaker and instead opted for an improvised rainy friday evening dinner. for a party of three, (three very brown and very queer people, might i add), we ambled in from the fickle rain into a warmly lit, farmhouse elegant and hella caucasian (upper westside obvious) establishment. not to mention, we were far younger in appearance than many of the patrons. if you are a transplant to nyc but love all things breakfast and jam, or are just a quintessential oprah fan, then you know about the the illustrious sarabeth's. i shared 2 entrees with a friend, namely the jumbo shrimp risotto and the grilled hanger steak (ordered medium). food arrived reasonably and prior we were given a bread basket with all of it's carb and starch glory! good biscuit, good dinner roll, obvious comments. the shrimp risotto was more firm than i would like and i would've appreciated a touch more creamy in texture. however, the flavor profile was great with tender shrimp countering the thick of the risotto in comforting tune the brightness of the peas and the fullness of the pancetta. with hanger steak, i typically order it medium rare. however, since i am nice and like sharing, my co-eater wanted medium and unfortunately the steak came medium well, tougher, a slight struggle to chew. it could have been pulled from the grill a minute or so earlier. the bordelaise sauce though, was luscious and accomplished. the sides of fries and spinach were hardly memorable. last, were desserts of strawberry shortcake and raspberry bread pudding. strawberries, short cake, creme fraiche, all were great but the biscuit aka short cake could use some inspiration. the bread pudding was keen to the eyes and was more mushy than i anticipated, as i hoped for a crunchy exterior to the velvety interior that i typically love about bread pudding. it was a solid idea, i may try to navigate in my own kitchen. for the price tab, the swift and precise service, my experience at sarabeth's was solid. nothing weaved of mythical genius baker's hair follicles or talking salt shaker sorcery. honestly, i will concur with the choir, which is rare, and say yes, it was pretty good and pretty overpriced. additionally, acoustics amped up by 8:00pm on friday, it got to -loud movie talking-decibel levels. [3.25- 3.5 stars depending on my mood.]
(3)Grace S.
Pros: Disclaimer-- As the backdrop for many celebratory brunches over the course of my life, my fondness for Sarabeth's is likely influenced in no small part by nostalgia. That said, if I were to stumble upon Sarabeth's as a first-timer, I would fall in love with the french toast, or the pancakes, or the berry-encrusted versions of either one, or the complimentary champagne cocktails. Or the general sensation of being treated to brunch on an Easter Sunday by your grandparents (even if you're just out with your fellow 20-something friends). Cons: Even as a non-first-timer, boy do those long lines put me off. Go EARLY! Before noon is best. Also, I will admit that the food is not always worth the pricetag, but consider that you pay for the overall experience, and the free champagne. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Sarabeth's is a treat. Go when your folks are in town and you're on their dime, and go when a special occasion calls for it. But if you're just looking for a spot to grab breakfast, go up the block to EJ's and stop complaining.
(4)Tiffany C.
$5 bloody marys. cheap! and my first time ever drinking one..it was quite a..bitter experience. haha. but it was so cheap i had no problem tossing it after drinking 1/10 of it and feeling buzzed already (and not to mention start turning red cuz of this damn asian glow!) nonetheless, the first few sips were great! the four flowers juice is really fresh and yummy. great to wake up your tastebuds for the day! ordered the eggs benedict with smoked salmon and i was very pleased! the eggs benedict were the perfect portion, were extremely tasty, and satisfied my craving! it also came with a nice tossed spring salad with a light vinagrette. it was nice to have something on the side that wasnt so filling (aka potatoes). i was able to finish my whole plate and feel content and wasnt too full to the point where i wanted to fall into a food coma! the chicken apple sausage was one of the most memorable things i had in NY. it was sweet and succulent. the apple marmalade was SOOOO amazingly good paired with the sausage, as well as the eggs benedict. my bf's red omelette was extremely tasty as well! we loved it here! one star off because the service was REALLY slow. We spent about $55 pre-tip but it was definitely worth what we paid!
(4)Riva D.
Worth the wait! I wouldn't suggest going with more than a partner on the weekend as the wait can get bad for groups of 3 or 4s unless you have 6 and then you can make a reservation. Then menu is fantastic! A variety of unique french toast & waffle options. From my friend who's lived in this city his whole life I'm told this is the best brunch in the city and I don't disagree. I wait for a seat in the back, you can't beat those comfy booths. Hmm, good...do it!
(5)Chris C.
You don't come to Sarabeth's to watch the game on Sunday. You probably don't bring your game-watching pals either. No, Sarabeth's is a pristine, respectable-looking place to get your brunching done, most likely in the company of a lady. With its simple lines, clean white walls and upholstered seating, the place manages to exude a calm, nurturing atmosphere where you'd expect little girls to have a tea party and yet, it is gender-friendly enough not to encroach on one's own sense of masculinity. And the food is good too. It's best to go to Sarabeth's for brunch. Dinner is fine here but, brunch is the cat's meow in these parts. There are many good options to sample including their french toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and almost any of the egg/omelette variations. Be sure to try the sausage in apples if you are a meatasaurus. They will certainly hit the spot. Oh, and the muffins are a nice combination of moist and substantial. Get there before 10:45/11:00 AM and you will likely not have to wait in a huge line. The friendly staff has always been good to me and my parties. On the rare occasions when a mistake is made with the order, it is always quickly rectified. Good people and good food. If Sunday must be followed by Monday, its best to ease into it at a place like Sarabeth's.
(4)Dolores L.
Visiting friends in New York and we came here for brunch. Waited 20 minutes for a table, but I'll cut to the chase. Food was delicious. Our table adorned with: Salmon eggs benedict Classic eggs benedict Lemon ricotta pancakes Everything was perfect. Both the eggs benedict were on a crispy English muffin, egg was poached perfectly, and the yoke flowed out nicely. YUM! The lemon ricotta pancakes was light and fluff. The flavor was highlighted in the pancake, but not overpowering. Sarabeth, whoever you are. Thank you.
(4)David A.
I just finished brunch at Sarabeth's West. I took a table outside on a perfect day. I went in with understandably high expectations, few of them met. Things started off ok as my good-enough iced coffee was served in an oversized brandy glass. I ordered the Oatmeal Pancakes with Pecans & Bananas. I asked for a side of eggs, but was told that the eggs come only as a platter with toast or muffin. The server said that she could bring the eggs without the bread, but that the price would be the same. Well, then what's the freaking point?! I ordered them anyway. The pancakes arrived smothered in a dumping of powdered sugar, likely meant to disguise that they were dry as the Mojave. The pecans had been sneakily replaced with walnuts, and there was about half of a small banana sliced over the top. Folks, bananas are cheap - you're not saving much money by skimping here. The eggs were about the only thing well-executed. Perfectly cooked omelette-style, firm on the outside without even a hint of any other color but yellow; and soft inside with absolutely zero runniness. Nicely done. The pumpkin muffin was dry and dull. Very little flavor without using the preserves to moisten and sweeten the heck out of it. People were waiting for tables, and I was waiting for my check. We all waited ... and waited. The hostess apologized to those who couldn't yet sit saying, "I'm sorry about the delay. People are just taking their time enjoying the lovely day I guess." Was she serious? If I could pay my check some time this century, those people could sit HERE! As it was, I NEVER saw my server ... ever. She NEVER checked on me. My water NEVER got refilled. After she finally delivered my check, she hadn't even come close to earning the 12% tip I paid her. Thinking back, I can't believe I tipped her at all!
(2)Ramune R.
. . . FOOD . . . My sister and I went to Sarabeth's for dinner the other night and both had their amazing sirloin burger. It was perfectly cooked and although I wasn't particularly hungry going in there, I ate the entire thing. We also split their french fries and onion rings, which were both perfect. My sister actually said that they were the best onion rings she's ever had. Warning: they give you a basket full of delicious biscuits and bread which I had to force myself not to finish, otherwise I would have had no room for the burger.
(4)Alison L.
After sampling bagels, donuts and pretzels during our NYC vacation, my husband and I wanted to have a nice, sit-down brunch somewhere near to our hotel. I searched Yelp for the best brunch offerings on the Upper West Side and came up with Sarabeth's West. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are AMAZING. And I didn't even order them, my husband did. I had one bite and wished I'd ordered them, too! Not that the Frittata I ordered wasn't good, it was definitely yummy, but those pancakes are incredible! So light and fluffy! My breakfast also came with a croissant. There was a wonderful selection of muffins, toast and scones to choose from, but I was sure the croissants there would be great. And I was right! Warm, buttery and airy. Definitely not like the croissants you get at the grocery story. PROS: - THE LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES - Great food - Friendly staff - Bright, light, inviting decor CONS: - The bathrooms were downstairs and you had to go behind the server station to get to the stairs, which was a little awkward and blocked by strollers and staff hurrying back and forth. Not a huge deal, though. - Little-to-no Wi-Fi signal. Not sure if it's the location of if the restaurant intentionally blocks reception to discourage cell phone use...
(4)G P.
I can't get enough of this place...brunch especially and dessert as of late. Obviously the prices could be a bit better but if that's based off fresher ingredients, I don't mind paying for that. I do wish some of their sweet breakfast options included a side especially for the price you're paying.
(4)Rita E.
Due to scheduling difficulties, my group and I needed to get brunch at a punishingly early Sunday morning hour: 9 AM! Sarabeth's is open from 8 AM, which came in handy as most places begin their Sundays at 11. I also expected there to not be a wait at such an ungodly hour, yet the four of us were standing around for 15 minutes waiting for a table to open. Regardless, yes, in my opinion this is the best brunch food in the city. Note that it's not the best deal nor the least expensive but no matter what you order, you will be thrilled, satisfied and wishing fervently to come back so you can try everything else on the menu. We had: lemon ricotta pancakes (me) - light, zesty, not overwhelming; buttermilk pancakes (brother #1) [didn't try this]; fat and fluffy french toast (brother #2) - true to its name, fluffy and so, so good; and Goldie lox (friend) - frittata-like eggs with lox and cream cheese baked inside, with a croissant, which was so fresh you could smell it across the table. Each item ran in the $12 - $13 range. Also, thank goodness for the bottomless cup of coffee ($3.50), I must have drank four or five in the course of an hour! Service was great, the second I was empty the server refilled, water too. Even after we ate I kept eyeing our neighbors' dishes. I'd go back to try, um, everything.
(4)Steph P.
Alright, I guess I have a little bit of mean-spirit in me because I like to expose overrated dining spots. Sarabeth's a favorite among NYCers, cited in Zagat's for their brunch. People line up and wait for an hour or more for weekend brunch here (which I guess isn't terrible, considering NYC is an easy city to bum around - even the Upper West Side). I had never been to Sarabeth's so, I figured why not. We waited with the rest of the sheep and were finally seated inside after a weird SNAFU with our name suddenly disappearing from the list. I ordered the Four Flowers juice blend of banana, pineapple, orange and pomegranite juices. Yum! The fresh squeezed orange juice was also good, albeit super tart. I had ordered the Potato Waffle for its novelty. Oooh, I like potatoes. I like waffles. And it comes with Chicken sausage? I love sausage! This was TERRIBLE. So terrible, I ate less than half. The waffle was very tough and the leeks in it lacked any type of presence. The sausage was also dry and made me yearn for Rosamunde's. I spied with envy at the omelettes of the diners next to us and my fellow bruncher's Lemon Ricotta pancakes (pretty good, but very small servings)...As pissed off as I was, I did restrain myself from being totally socially inappropriate and stealing others' food. I really don't see what makes Sarabeth's so great. The decor makes me feel like I'm in a waspy New England bed and breakfast. The food is just ehh...and their potatoes, which looked like the best thing they had, are not served with many of the items and must be ordered on the side. Pffft. If I'm looking for an American style brunch on the UWS, I would check out Good Enough to Eat, Isabella's, or even Nice Matin over Sarabeth's. I've also heard really good things about Barney Greengrass...maybe one day. But for now, it's unlikely I'll go back to Sarabeth's.
(3)Meredith K.
One of my favorite places in the city. If you come for brunch get here early - there's always a wait! I've found lunch and dinner to be more reasonable (I have been seated within minutes for those). Food is just tasty here - just all around good food. I've had brunch, lunch and dinner here - all have been very good. I have never tasted anything bad here from pancakes, to salads and crab cakes, to roasted chicken - it's always good. I've had better service sitting inside than I have outside, but in nice weather sitting outside is worth the slightly slow service.
(4)Shiba I.
Pumpkin Waffle topped with sour cream, raisins, pumpkin seeds & honey is really delicious. $13 is a bit steep. Spinach & Goat cheese omelet was a bit too dry & uninteresting for $12. The choice of muffins (we got the cranberry one), breads, etc that accompany the omelet was good. But we were surprised by the $3.50 each of the coffee. Service was not genteel enough to warrant these high prices. For the same prices & food, head to the other Sarabeth's...
(3)Michael W.
Came here for dinner one day with a large group of my parents' friends. Ordered a burger. Waited 10 minutes for mustard. Ate my burger. Left. 3 stars for okay but unexciting dinner fare Revisit? I'm too lazy to go to the west side :)
(3)Keta H.
I'm not certain who should be more ashamed: the owners for charging $14.50 for an omelette or the chef who allowed that omelette to go out of his/her kitchen with absolutely nothing else on the large white plate. I will grant that the Farmer's omelette looked nice -- folded so that it looked like a small evening bag but sitting there, all by itself made it look pitiful. The experience was further diminished because the pieces of leek and bacon were so tiny that it was impossible to discern the texture or the taste. When the waitress stopped to ask how everything was I told her the truth. Her response was along the lines of it was my fault because I declined the bread. Sorry: bread is not a garnishment. The shame is especially deserved because a block away, at Nice Matin, one can get an artichoke and leek frittata with delicious potatoes and a baby green salad for $13.50.
(1)Min K.
i've been to both on the east and west side. it's just alright, but not a brunch place i immediately think of. got the my red omelette and pumpkin muffin. my friend got the eggs benedict. can't say much because i don't remember much about the food. came here for sunday brunch. it was busy but we didn't have any trouble finding seating.
(3)Bex B.
While the meal was delicious (lemon ricotta pancakes), the service was really crummy. The restaurant was clearly understaffed. Getting the obviously busy waitress's attention was very difficult. We waited a full half hour longer we were told we would have to wait for our table and then it took us 20 minutes to get the check. If you have all the time in the world, this is a good pick. If you have things to do, I would recommend another spot.
(3)Lorac L.
Managed to get a table without long wait on a saturday morning, went around 1030am! We had the popeye's egg and egg's benedict, both super yummy that i was craving for more eggs for the next few days. I will be back soon!
(4)Karen S.
I went here two times for breakfast, and it is probably a 3.5. I love the muffins and jam but the rest was like diner food with upscale prices. The eggs benedict are good (portions are huge) and french toast with strawberries and bananas are good. On a side note, it was weird that the two people next to me ordered the eggs and...side of potatoes. side of sausage. two sides of bacon. The irony is they ordered egg whites. What is the point?!
(3)Christine G.
I said this 4 years ago when I had brunch here and I'll say it again 4 years later... Overrated. Brunch is definitely underwhelming. I've tried omelets here, pancakes, etc. All just kinda meh. I think the only redeeming part is the pumpkin muffin option instead of toast but otherwise I'm not sure why this place always has a line.
(2)diana p.
My boyfriend and I wanted a bite to eat after a crowded day at the museum. the short review: NEVER AGAIN!! the long review: We walk in to an empty place and we were seated in a corner that we had to squeeze into. ok? we were then offered the tea and dinner menu, but waited 10 minutes until we even were greeted by a waiter. There was a waitress doing sidework, guess we couldn't bother her? finally greeted, we weren't told any potential specials or given any suggestions.We had to ask what the soup of the day was, and later heard a conflicting report from another staff member near by. We finally ordered the tea sandwhiches w/tea and a bowl of soup. Second warning: see the waiter look at our table with an 'oh yeah' face after he reappears from the kitchen and he puts our order in. We waited THIRTY minutes to get four squares of bread made into pathetic sandwiches. It was starting to become clear that our waiter's attention was focused on a high order table/large party nearby. We weren't checked on after our food was delivered and never offered more hot water for the small tea pot. The other waitress finally refilled our water glasses after a while but only after the manager/owner noticed and said something (mind you at this point there are four tables seated in the enitre place-quite challenging) waiting...lame sandwich finished, thinking, 'where's the soup?'. It never came. I got so fed up that I asked for the bill- oh, he never put the soup in (he at least admitted it). The lame sandwich and single pot of tea cost TWENTY dollars. But there's never any excuse for poor customer service in an otherwise empty place. With the owner sitting at a nearby table and obviously discussing business with a consultant of how to make things better? I'll tell you how to make things better- new staff, new customer service policies. I agree 100% with Hemanth. Go somewhere, ANYwhere else!
(1)James D.
3 p.m. on a Saturday, no wait for a table for two, although the place was nearly full, which was a pleasant surprise. I must say -- despite the confused "farmhouse meets early '90s diner feel -- the food was absolutely excellent. The prices are outrageous (UWS pomposity, for sure), but it's worth treating oneself every now and then. The service was attentive and very pleasant, and the food was delivered quickly and accurately. My friend had the frittata of fresh peppers, bacon, and scallions, with Gruyère cheese for $14. I had the "New Classic Club Sandwich" for $17.50 (!); turkey breast, Vermont cheddar, Virginia ham, lettuce, tomato, maple-mustard mayonnaise, and homemade potato chips. I honestly would have been disappointed with an overpriced "regular sandwich" had it not been for that maple-mustard mayo. Delish. It made the sandwich. Next time (which won't be anytime soon, just based on the exorbitant pricing) I'd like to try the eggs Benedict or the lemon-ricotta pancakes. I hear very good things.
(4)James M.
Visited on a weekday, mid afternoon. Bigger inside than it looked from the outside. And relatively crowded for that time of the day. Still got seated with no wait. I had a farmers omelet, which I think contained bacon, some sort of cheese, bacon, and something else. Seemed like all of it together would be very heavy, but it was light and fluffy, and tasted amazing--and the leeks weren't overpowering, which I was afraid of. Great cranberry bran muffin on the side. Huge goblet of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Good meal. Interior was kinda blah, but the food was pretty on point. I was sort of steered into Sarabeth, but i'd go back.
(4)Tyler C.
I think the strength of this place is its baked/baked related goods - the jams, croissants, pancakes, and waffles that I have had were really good. Then again, the benedict I had was nothing to sneeze at either (and was served on homemade english muffins...i am sensing a trend here...) I kinda wish the lemon ricotta pancakes were either larger...or maybe if it came with more of them. true, there were 5 of them, but they were the thin dollar type pancake size....maybe if i figured out how to make them myself... but i digress. As noted here, this place is at times a victim of its own success as the wait staff get overwhelmed by hordes and hordes of groaning, moaning, salivating brunchers...but the trick is to sneak in before 10 AM in small groups. Kind of like how they do it in the Florida rest homes....
(4)Laura H.
As always...great food. Perfect brunch. I loved the farmers omelet. Jam sour dough toast. Great value
(5)Wai Sze Z.
I've been here a few times for brunch. This places serves a great breakfast. I particularly like their pancakes which is different from the thicker version I normally enjoy but this thin & crispy version is very good as well. I also remember liking their bread basket. The omelette's are good too. The restaurant is clean and service is attentive. There can be a wait but we've been fairly lucky the few times we've eaten here. I don't remember waiting more than 20 minutes for a table. It's been a couple of years since I've been here (just too many good breakfast options in NYC!) but will make a return one of these days.
(4)Bryanna E.
came for a ny brunch and wow, yummmmm. we ordered the leek, potato, bacon omelet and the pumpkin waffle and shared. the omelet was fluffy, cheesy and paired nicely with the fresh made scone with butter. I liked the waffle too, but sweet isn't really my thing. service was great and lots of warm coffee kept coming.
(4)Yvonne S.
Enjoyed a fantastic brunch with my boyfriend on a Sunday + outdoor seating. Everything on the menu was so interestingly named. I ate there garden omelet (broccoli, red peppers, carrots, cheese)with a choice of bread. I chose a croissant.. although I should've tried there banana muffins instead. Feeling more hungry than ever that day, my bf and I ordered an extra plate from there sweet breakfast choice. We got apple cinnamon french toast with raisins and bananas. The waitress told us that customers usually get and love this dish. :) I dare not disagree!
(5)Melissa N.
My favorite brunch spot in NYC! I love the Eggs Benedict and the basket for baked goods. The Four Flowers Mimosa is also near and dear to my heart. Sarabeth's actually does a really good dinner, but it's always dead in the restaurant during the dinner hour. My friend and I call it our "Blue Hair Hangout" because it's usually just us and the senior citizens on weeknights for dinner. One star is removed because of the crazy long wait times for a table during brunch hours on the weekend...they really need to figure out a reservation system or something.
(4)Marleigh M.
Whether or not I review a restaurant depends largely on the food and the service. Sometimes I write to warn others; sometimes I write to urge others. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Sarabeth's on the Upper West Side fall into the latter category. I was urged to try the Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes w/ Fresh Berries plus the Spinach & Goat Cheese Omelet by my dining companion, who happened to be a fan of the West Side eatery. Both were ordered and arrived in a timely fashion. Looking back, my taste buds shake in anticipation at the thought of those pancakes. I'm not a pancake person, yet Sarabeth's has caused me to reevaluate my feelings about flat cakes. They were the best I ever had in my life and easily fall into the top 5 things I have eaten this year. The omelet was the perfect fluffy balance of goat cheese to egg and spinach. I was highly impressed with the meal and the service. There are several other Sarabeth's around the city, including one on the Upper East Side and one in Chelsea Market. There is no doubt I will be back, the question is how soon.
(5)Bora S.
This is my favorite brunch spot on the UWS. All of the ingredients are fresh and you can taste it. You should definitely try to get here early, especially on the weekends, because the wait is waaaaay long after about 8:30 probably. I love that this place opens so early. It's really nice going right after it opens before all the crowds get there. You get great seating and service the earlier you go.
(5)Amy S.
Went with the parents. I didn't think it was anything incredible and especially for the price. We got the Almond Encrusted French Toast, the Potato Waffles and the Lemon Ricotta ones too. They were all good, definitely, but worth the price? I don't know...
(3)Rachel T.
I came here with my dad for brunch and really loved it. The atmosphere was very hamptons-esque but it was light and a very nice setting for a more upscale brunch on the UWS. The coffee was excellent and the muffins were also moist and flavorful. I ordered the chicken sandwich with avocado, cheese, lettuce and a side of french fries. The portion was absolutely humongous! I had to take half of it home to eat later. The sandwich was excellent though- full of flavor! I would recommend this place for brunch anytime- however we did come on the later side which meant we didn't have to wait as long which might be something to consider.
(4)Julie K.
for celebrating big day, we went to Metropolitan Opera house to get 'Eugene Onegin' orchestra standing ticket at 8:30 am.. goosh!! soooo many people already made the line.... since it was sold out!! fortunately, we got it... being on the line almost 2 hours in the morning... hmmmm... better to get breakfast or brunch.. whatever... Let's go get SARABETH!!! fancy smoked salmon w/ fresh salad for Julie, popular pancake w/ strawberry for brother.... w/o soy milk, coffee was sucks... but still cozy and warm opening day with SATABETH!!!
(4)Ibbs K.
My girls and I were visiting a friend in New York and she brought us here for our last meal in NYC. It was delicious and a great way to end our trip. And luckily, we went on a Monday morning, so there was absolutely no wait! At first we were debating about getting the mimosa, since we've ate and drank so much on this trip we were hesistant. But, who can say no to mimosas?! And it was a great idea that we went for it b/c this was the first place where they've given us individual bottles of champagne and extra OJ to make multiple mimosas out of them! FOUR in total! That was completely worth it and satisfying... :) I had the Goldie Lox, which were Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese. YUMMM. They also had many bread choices, such as banana, corn, pumpkin, or english muffins, scone or croissant and a side of Sarabeth's famous strawberry preserve. The food portion was definitely more than I can handle! We also ordered a side of apricot sausages, which were sausages bathed in apricot jam. That was good also. Overall, the place had a good ambiance and the food and drink portions were definitely worth the price. I left NY on a happy and FULL note. :)
(5)Katy D.
I'v been here for brunch and dinner, and both were fabulous and decently priced. The french toast is fluffy and not soggy at all - my two criteria for a good french toast. Their french fries are perfection, and the desserts are out of this world.
(5)Alexis Maria H.
I went on a 'brunch date' with a friend on a tuesday afternoon around 12. We had to wait about 15 mins for a table [the place was packed] but I was determined to stay because i realllyyy wanted to eat here and see what it's all about! We finally got seated and the space was tight, we were put right next to these to older miserable women, so the hostess comes to us [we never said anything] and says she'll seat us somewhere else where'd we be more comfortable. She moved us to this really cute table near a couch and such, it was really great. I ordered an omelet w. croissant & such; it was AMAZING. Really good food. Along with the nice hostess, our waitress was a sweetheart too, anything we needed, and questions we had, she was always polite, and happy. Had a great time at Sarabeths. Hope to go back soon!
(5)Kyle M.
great breakfast- Ill go again. I don't think Id wait for an hour but it was def worth a trip back. I oved my salmon omelet - totally unexpected goodness.
(4)Ray W.
Nice looking restaurant from inside, and good service, but food was mediocre. A great place to take a friends mother with whom you have a lot to talk about so that you don't pay too much attention to the actual food you're eating.
(2)Katee L.
So many people waiting! Was it really that great? Eh.... I thought the food was ok, I got the potato waffles with the chicken apple sausage. The preserves were tasty but I wasn't really sure if the waffles were supposed to be sweet or salty? It was interesting.... Since the UWS is a bit of a trek for me, I probably won't be back anytime soon.
(3)Robyn F.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing!!
(5)Vassi I.
I had brunch here last weekend and found it to be quite lovely! Although I'm generally not a big breakfast lover, this place was great. We had 9 a.m. reservations on a Saturday and the restaurant was still packed! We requested to sit out front on the patio when we made the reservations, but they failed to take note of that at the time. When we got there, the patio was full so they placed us inside with a grand window view which was sufficient. I don't remember the service being particularly amazing, but the food was great. My boyfriend ordered the Eggs Benedict which was served on rounded and buttered pieces of french bread which I LOVED. I had the goat cheese and herb egg white omelet which was delicious. My sister had the cream cheese and chives egg white omelet and my brother-in-law also had the Eggs Benedict. We ordered a side of breakfast potatoes which were quite possibly some of the best I've ever tried. The coffee was strong and good, and the atmosphere was light and pretty. If you want a strong, tasty breakfast on the upper west side, this is an excellent choice. Enjoy!
(3)Imani B.
I have a problem. I love brunch. Eggs, pancakes, french toast, crispy thick bacon, mimosas, coffee...any and all, and I am in. I BRUNCH HARD! Met some ladies here on the UWS a few Sundays ago. Got there around 10:45 and was seated by 11:15. Service was good, food was excellent. I will return.
(4)Donna S.
We had a reservation for three on a Monday at 1230p. The restaurant was far from full. I asked for a quiet table, as we had not seen each other in some time and were headed for a wake, following lunch. I pointed out a table in the rear corner and was told that was a table usually for 4 or 5, and we could not sit there, despite the restaurant having ample empty tables. .I was shown to a noisy spot on a row a tables against a wall. Not happy. The service was otherwise good and the food good as well. Nothing special.
(2)Carlos M.
Me and the girlfriend thought to give this a try since all other brunch spots had lines. I had the salmon benedict that was definitely more than A-ok. The atmosphere had kind of a diner feel and was quite busy. We were sat quickly without reservations but only because it was just the two of us. There was a group of 4 people infront of us that walked in right before us and were told there would would be a 40 minute wait. Service was ok as they focused on the bigger parties. Highly recommend the reservations if you care to try but you aren't missing out on anything big.
(3)Omar F.
Ok, So I would do brunch in groups just to make everyone order a different dish so we could sample. Simply delicious. Expect to wait in line on the weekends, but it's well worth it. You may luck out and have a street fair near by to kill some time. The Almond Encrusted French Toast is what "portly dreams" are made of! I cried once when I craved it on a Monday morning, they only serve it on weekends. YUM.
(5)Ava R.
Yummmmm! The almond crusted french toast was great, and I'm very picky about my french toast. The chicken sausages were really good too and nicely balanced with a chunky, very sweet applesauce. Friends had really good home fries, a big fluffy looking omelet, and crisp bacon. I don't know if I'm a fan of the mimosa deal--$9 for a mini bottle and constant refills of juice. It seemed too expensive after being to so many places that offer unlimited champagne cocktails with brunch. The wait was about 30 minutes but I guess that's to be expected. The atmosphere was a little boring but even though the restaurant was full, it didn't feel crowded like most places so that's a plus. Definitely a nice spot, I just wish they had more variety on their menu.
(4)Courtney T.
Absolutely best brunch experience- that is of course after being seated. My only big gripe with this place is that they do not accept brunch reservations, so the four of us had to wait nearly an hour for a table. We didn't mind it at first, we already knew we would have to wait a while and it just gave us more time to catch up. Once finally inside, we were warmly greeted and offered superior service for the entirety of the meal. Everyone loved what they ordered- each item was truly delicious and I was a fan of my more-than-enough mimosa placed on the table for me to add more in the flute at any time- a real treat. The four of us had an amazing brunch here, it could have only been improved by an immediately available table for four.
(4)Albert S.
Dinner. Very slow night, maybe six other tables. Enjoyed the lobster prix fixe with two friends, great deal. Lovely country chic decor, server was attentive and very accommodating. Will have to return to try their brunch soon.
(4)J G.
Sarabeth's is a good place for brunch, as long as you're ok with waiting. I've been there for Sunday brunch early in the afternoon twice and had to wait about 30 minutes each time. I wasn't in a rush so I was perfectly fine waiting. On my first visit I had the buttermilk pancakes and on the second visit I had the classic egg benedict and split the french toast with my friend. All three dishes were good, and that's what you can expect at Sarabeth's, consistently good food. It's a bit overpriced for brunch, but it's worth the splurge from time to time because it's a nice atmosphere with good service and food that doesn't disappoint.
(3)Shez P.
We had breakfast here based on a friend's recommendation and Sarabeth's didn't disappoint. Our server was great and made our meal even better. I had the Farmer's omelet and my gf had the salmon egg's benedict. Both of our meals were excellent. My gf thought the place was very cute and charming.
(4)Jae B.
Fantastic. I passed by one day, and this couple was having the most delicious looking pot-pie I've laid my eyes upon. Of course, I promised myself that I shall come back in the earliest convenience to try some of that. On the way back from the amazingly fantogosmical Wicked, I decided to treat myself to a nice homey dinner. Me being no-land-animal-please person, I asked for shrimp/fish/mushroom substitute for the free-range chicken of the pot pie. They said that it be 3 dollar extra and I happily obliged. My only disappointment was the fact that because the dish was so fresh and steaming hot, the pastry had separated itself from the edge of the oven dish. It was delectable, and with the exception of three small fingerling potatoes, I finished the whole dish. Will be coming back...this time with a beautiful company.
(5)Michael K.
A quaint, brunch-centric restaurant with solid homestyle cooking. The menu is overpriced, but their hot chocolate is to die for.
(3)Martha-Anne N.
Came for breakfast/brunch. It was packed but the wait was only about 20 minutes. Had the scrambled eggs with a berry muffin. My friend had the eggs benedict. The coffee was awesome! Great atmosphere and good service. I would definitely go back.
(5)Claire L.
Their pancakes are really really nice and they put four pieces of them ( smaller than usual size) in one dish. My friends always can't move after finishing them... The salmon omelet is good too. Well, most of the dishes are nice in sarabeth. But even that, I don't like to wait for half an hour or even longer every time...
(4)Elizabeth C.
This place is fantastic! The food is excellent, the service is great! We came on a Tuesday night, so obviously missed the brunch crowd that Sarabeth's is famous for, but we were seated promptly, served at a great pace, and every bit of every dish was delicious. If you don't like lines, try another day of the week - you won't be disappointed.
(5)Liz C.
Came in on a Tuesday morning for brunch. No wait which is always awesome. Perfect location if you're going onto the MET afterward (only about 4 blocks down). As soon as I walk in, I'm surprised by the decor. Nothing wrong with it, but reminded me of a hotel lobby/hotel restaurant. Nothing wrong with that, but just a little surprising. I got the pumpkin waffles with sour cream, strawberries, pumpkin seeds and raisins. Waffles was interesting, moist but wished they gave whipped cream instead of sour cream. My friend got the "red popeye" which looked good. That dish consisted of scrabbled eggs and spinach atop an english muffin with a side of sauteed tomatoes. Overall, great place to eat brunch, but not so sure I would want to wait in line for this place.
(4)Mary T.
We had breakfast on Friday morning and it was very good. The spinach and goat cheese omelet was tasty. It was crowded and busy but all the staff was all smiles.
(5)Maria B.
Amazing service and food! My entire family was in town, so we needed a reservation for 12! Through Open Table, I made one reservation for 6 and my brother was to do the same. When we arrived at 8:30 on a Sunday morning, my brother said - "oh, I wasn't able to get online to make the reservation." The amazing staff at Sarabeth's was able to seat us anyway. We had a table of 8 and another of 4, but the hiccup took no longer than 5 minutes to accommodate. We had a fabulous waiter, who made helpful recommendations for the three kids in our party. Coffee was always filled, all the orders were correct and came out in a timely manner. And the food was phenomenal. I ordered the Farmer's Omelette with egg whites. It was huge (i'd guess at least 5 - 6 egg whites), but was thoroughly cooked (often omelettes that size are runny in the middle) with the perfect balance of fillings to eggs. By the time we left, there was a line out the door - and with good reason!!
(5)Steph H.
Sarabeth's needs another stellar review about as much as I need a hole in the head. The reviews were spot on, great fresh food and great service. Came here EARLY (circa 9am) on a Saturday and had no problems being seated. If you're going to go to a place like this do yourself a favor and get there early. When we were leaving there was a line out the door (in the pouring rain). I had the eggs benny and it was simply fantastic! The coffee is great too! Overall great brunch!
(5)Toonces ..
I had breakfast here last Sunday and it was totally awesome! I couldn't stop raving all throughout our meal how good the food was. We got there around 11am and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table which wasn't too bad. We actually happened upon Sarabeth's on the Upper East Side later that same day and they had a small line as well, so I think you should expect to see that. We order the almond crusted french toast with a pomegranate-cherry drizzle and Farmer's omelette stuffed with ham and gruyere with a banana muffin served with one of Sarabeth's signature strawberry preserves. Because it was our last day in the city, we couldn't help but order the softshell crab sandwich to go as well. Everything was DELISH! Even the house drip coffee was perfectly brewed. The service was fast and courteous. If you go to Sarabeth's website and look at pix of the interior, it looks kind of cold, but it's actually more cozy when you're there.
(5)Rich W.
Brunch on a Sunday. Told it was a 45-minute wait; turned out to be 70 minutes. With the long line of people waiting, I thought the restaurant would provdie reasonably accurate wait times. An hour and a half later we were seated, only to experience mediocre food and services. Sarabeth's is being served long past its stay-fressh date.
(2)Kristi C.
Great oatmeal selection for breakfast! (and verrryyy Goldilocks and the three bears) While generally our breakfast experience was fine, there were a few things that were disappointing... 1. the eggs are not cage free (think EXTREMELY inhumane) 2. they don't have soy milk (???!!!) 3. the coffee was burnt However good things to note: 1. we got there at 10am and were seated straight away, the line was out the door by the time we left 2. good selection of vego options... several oatmeal choices and lots o' pancakes :)
(3)Philip N.
Sarabeth's provided a satisfying, yet slightly ordinary dining experience. The place is cozy and packed, well kept but far from being haughty in presentation. The food was savory and fine enough, but nothing really jumped out at you. I got the farmer's omelette, filled with leeks, bacon, and gruyere. Again, tasty. But nothing to get you to do a double take in terms of taste. I was also slightly disappointed in the preserves, as they also could have passed off as storebought despite being homemade. To be honest, my girlfriend's Morning Crunch granola with fruit and yogurt was actually more tasty than my whole meal. Again, a good meal, just short of being great.
(3)lane k.
What is wrong with people? Is this the only restaurant on the UWS side that serves brunch? Go ahead, and enjoy your two hour wait standing on the sidewalk while I eat a fabulous brunch right in front of you at one of the restaurants nearby. You shouldn't believe everything you read, people. Sometimes you might want to be a tad experiemental and try a place that hasn't been written up in your 1979 Zagat's. And no, I'm not a competing restauranteer, I don't even live on the UWS anymore. But I'm really tired of tripping over you people on the sidewalk every time I go up there. I have eaten here, and it's just not worth the wait. Really.
(1)David L.
Awesome place! It can be somewhat pricey, but I will justify it with this: I have yet to have a single bad experience, server, or meal here. Incredibly friendly and accommodating. It's so good, in fact, brunch can get ridiculously packed really quickly.
(5)Melissa H.
Being from Chicago and having visited NY before, I felt that both cities share some similarities but I don't believe Brunch is one of them. Chicago is overflowing with restaurants that serve fantastic breakfast/brunch.....maybe its more of a Midwest thing. After seeing all the great reviews we had to try Sarabeth's West. This definitely was the best breakfast place out of all the breakfast/brunch restaurants we visited in NY. We were there on a Monday morning though, and we were there early which is probably why our service was great! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I kept it simple with scrambled eggs and potatoes while the hubby had the Farmer's Omlette. Both were great!
(4)Inna K.
It's quite possible that Sarabeth's doesn't need another review. We all know the food is great, the baked goodies are yummy, the service is friendly and the wait is LONG. What you may not know is McAleer's is right next door and serves unlimited Bloody Marys during brunch hours. Very good Bloody Marys. Yes, you buy one and after that... just keep drinking. So, give the friendly hostess at Sarabeth your name and tell her you are going to be next door. She'll get you when your table is ready. Yes, they really are that nice.
(4)Steven T.
Excellent Eggs Benedict! Muffins were a little dry. Try any of the fresh juices.
(4)Caroline I.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!!! Five stars for the food, minus 1 for prices. Came here on a weekday for breakfast and it was packed. First came to Sarabeth's about 9 years ago. Good to know that this is still a quality place to eat b-fast/brunch. The host of the dining room is wearing a suit and my friend and I are in workout gear, after coming from a brisk jog in the park. Nevermind, there were others dressed in workout gear as well as more business-y attire. Must try the lemon ricotta pancakes!!! For the two of us, breakfast (2 entrees, a side of fruit, 2 coffees) was $55.
(4)Sarah S.
I went here today (Columbus Day), so even though it was a Monday, it was relatively crowded, but I didn't have to wait. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and almond-crusted french toast. I wasn't blown away by the food, but also have nothing to complain about. I like the lemon ricotta pancakes better though--it was a perfect balance between sweet & lemon/tart :) The almond-crusted french toast was seriously just okay..a bit too much almond for me & a little dry for my taste. I don't know if I particularly enjoyed the sauce (cranberry or strawberry) they drizzled on :/ If i go here next time, I'll def. try their egg dishes before I decide if I would want to return here for breakfast/brunch again. Bottom line, it's a place worth trying.
(3)aude h.
Went there for brunch on a Saturday morning. Place was full but no crazy wait. The food was very good, especially the salmon omelet. Good service and pleasant decor
(4)Jerry T.
really overrated. Everything is too greasy, really not worth the wait. Go to nice matin instead
(1)thom s.
Ive been here 5 times. The first four were during last year and were very good experiences. Sarabeths became a place where I brought people when they visited the city. Todays visit. however, was poor and it was embarrassing because I brought a friend from out of town and raved about how good it was the whole way there. The food came luke-warm and, beside pouring coffee into my cup as she rushed by, the wait-person never asked me how the meal was or if I needed anything else. On top of that, there was a line out the door while three tables remained set and ready, during that time I overheard the hostess complaining about her job. In addition, everyone had their winter coats while they ate because it was too cold inside. I kindly asked the hostess if the heat could be turned up and she said it was and that the cold was due to people opening and closing the door. This is New England, it gets cold every winter, why not just put a better heating system in place? I wouldnt have minded so much if this had been a diner, but this is the restaurant that I waited 45 minutes in line for so I could pay $7.00 for a side order of 2 cold fried eggs. I hardly ever tip below 20% but I did today and explained to the manager why, and promised him that Id give them another chance. Someday Ill go back, iif the service is better ill amend the rating
(2)Devon S.
Coming at about 11 on a Friday morning, I didn't need to wait in line nor bum around the UWS while a table became available. However, knowing what I know now, I don't think I could ever justify WAITING for the food here. The server was extremely nice and hospitable, although I wish she had been a tad more helpful in the selection process. (When a patron asks which of two items is better, and you reply "Everything is great here!"....yeah, that's not going to aid in the decision-making.) I ordered grapefruit juice, and they were out. Settled for the orange juice, which was cutely served with a straw. Now, I could be wrong, and oranges on the East Coast might taste entirely different from those on the West Coast, but this juice was sweet. Sweet as in it tasted like tangerine juice. Moh well. And then the food. O hai three little blintzes. When I come in for brunch, I come expecting to be rolled out of the restaurant, my clothes bursting at the seams. The cheese blintzes were tiny, and while served with apple butter that was equally good, maybe filled about a quarter of my stomach. If I hadn't been on a tight budget, I would have ordered something else, but you know what? When I'm paying $12 for blintzes, I sure as hell hope they at least attempt to be filling. This was the my only brunch/breakfast while I was in NYC, and I was certainly underwhelmed. C'mon kids, don't let a long line trick you into thinking mediocre is amazing!
(3)Jennifer L.
I heard good reviews about Sarabeth's, so I decided to go with a couple of co-workers for Sunday brunch. With no reservations made and considering it was a Sunday, I expected to wait. And wait we did for a little more than a half hour. I ordered the salmon eggs Benedict and we ordered fries for the table. The salmon eggs Benedict came in rather petite portions with a side of greens. The smoked salmon was a bit different from the standard bacon/ham, but it was a good different that I wish more restaurants had this offering. Overall, I was satisfied with the brunch despite the $30 fare.
(4)Ceeee C.
This is a typical mediocre brunch restaurant. We had the anticipated one hour wait for a table on a cold blustery Sunday morning, as we all tried to squeeze into the lobby. The service was not bad, but had to remind the waitress about the juice I ordered. I found the menu to be a bit disappointing. We ended up having to order sides, because none of our entries came with much. The overpriced Mimosas were okay - I did like the fishbowl glass Bloody Marys. I ordered a Frittata which was delicious, but just not overly impressed. I just think of all the incredible places to eat in the city, and this place is not exactly what comes to mind.
(3)Ty H.
Love this place. The salmon eggs benedict is ridiculously good... Brunch here is always lovely.
(5)Nyc F.
Traveling for food is what we do... and traveling to Sarabeth's for brunch was a real treat. The staff is very friendly, the decor atmosphere is casual and the menu has plenty of options. Some of the Must Try's from the menu: - Lemon Ricotta pancakes, you will get 4 fluffy and soft cakes with powdered sugar on top. These pancakes are absolutely delicious! They come with a side of assorted berries. I would also recommend ordering the Chicken Apple Sausage (2 links) and the Potatoes. The pancakes are definitely filling enough, but some variety is always nice. We have also had the toasted Almond French Toast, which is absolutely delish! Finally, for brunch you must try the flower mimosa as this comes with additional champagne on the side ;) If you plan on coming on a sunday, you will see about a 45min wait, but well worth it. To provide a sample of the cost (for 2 adults) 1 Lemon Ricotta pancake, 1 toasted almond french toast, apple sausage links, potatoes, 2 mimosas = $72.
(5)Sarah B.
I'm not the type of person who minds waiting 45 minutes or an hour for a table at a good restaurant. If you don't want to wait there a hundreds of empty places in the city you can visit and get mediocre food. We stopped by for Sunday brunch with a party of five, so we waited. Which we didn't mind until it was time to order ... I ordered a mimosa only to find out they were out of champagne. How does that happen during Sunday brunch? No really take a second to think about that ... no mimosas! As the rest of our group ordered we discovered there were a few other things missing from the menu as they had run out. When we finally did get our food it was good, not great. Our expectations may have been too high as we had an amazing experiance at the Key West location a few years ago.
(2)Ed H.
I am kind of myeh on the food. What really made my nipples perk was the array of jams and preserves they ponied up at the table. Blood orange marmalade on an English muffin. Hotter then Adriana Lima in the VS catalog. Okay, I exaggerate, kind of. If given the choice of all the jam and preserves I want of any kind, for life, or one night with her, I'd have to go with a lifetime of jam.
(3)Paolo D.
I came here on a recommendation from a friend. I was told this was the place to go if you like your eggs. I was very disappointed. I ordered the Popeye egg dish (can't remember the exact name) and a cappuccino. The dish was bland and the cappuccino wasn't spectacular. Fortunately, I went during the winter on a weekday, so I did not wait in line.
(2)Vicki Z.
The worst dining experience of lifetime. The waiter ignored us the whole time when we had breakfast there. The food is very basic not even great but it is really popular. A waiter called Johnathan something is a total asshole. He delivered my frd's breakfast 10 mins earlier than mine. And didn't even say a sorry. When my breakfast on the table, the eggs already cold. never go again even they pay me.
(1)Sabrina W.
One of my all-time favorite ways to start a weekend is with brunch at Sarabeth's with a mimosa, coffee, and almond-crusted french toast with raspberry drizzle. I could stop there but I'd be doing a disservice to the place so in addition to the great 'sweet' breakfasts like the french toasts, pancakes, blintzes, etc there are a lot of egg options to choose from as well, including traditional or smoked salmon eggs benedict, great omelettes, and more schtuff to raise one's cholesterol. Like many NY establishments, however, egg whites can be substituted for a small surcharge, a small price to pay if that's the type of thing that eases your conscience. Also on the menu are healthier options like granola, fruit & yogurt, and porridges with honey and other variations of toppings, but somehow I have not been as tempted by those items when I arrive and by the time I get a table. I've waited for up to 40 minutes a couple times and the best tip I can give is to arrive before or after peak brunch times (i.e. before 11am or after 2pm). This is only one of several locations that are sprinkled around Manhattan and they're all equally popular for brunch. I've seen quite a few celebs here in my many visits, including Diddy, Alec Baldwin, and that big female wrestler 'whatsherface' (sorry I cannot remember for the life of me). Not a reason to visit but could be an added perk. (Just be considerate if you end up sitting next to a famous someone and try not to gawk or stare!)
(4)Ashley B.
We had a great breakfast here last week. The wait was about 15 minutes on Saturday morning. Our waiter was great . Husband had an omelet and I had the granola with fruit. Perfect!
(5)Amelia E.
went there for brunch for a friends birthday, its one of the brunch places that were on top of my list for quite some time (either location), so I was happy we got a table quickly (we had a reservation, but for a later time that day). The place itself is ok, has a cottage-feel to it, but I am not particularly fond of that. The items on the menu sounded good, but thats when it went downhill. Firstly, we wanted to order a bottle of sparkling wine (since it was my friends birthday) but were harshly told by our waittress that they dont have that (I wonder how they make their mimosas...), so we ordered bloody marys and a blue moon. the bloody marys were good, really big and very spicy (might be too spicy for some people). we wanted an orange with the blue moon, but were told that they dont have oranges. so we order our found and are told that out of the maybe 8 bakery options, they dont have four including croissants (I thought they are famous for their baked goods and it wasnt that late). The food (we all had omlettes) was ok, but not that special either. I guess with a friendlier waitress we would have enjoyed the place more (albeit the lack of certain items). Generally, we didnt feel very welcome at the place, neither coffee nor water were refilled. It seems like you are much more welcome when you come with a child, very childfriendly (which, in return, we are not too keen on). When we left, we saw a lady sitting outside drinking a piccolo bottle of sparkling wine... It was just not what I was expecting, there are so many other places for brunch....
(3)Adam H.
A brunch DREAM. I was seriously hungry last Sunday morning when I came here with my friend, but when I looked at the menu and saw about 10 things that looked amazing to me I knew I was in for something fantastic. After drowning myself in some much needed and delicious coffee, we ordered and split the entrees. Searching for totally opposite types of flavors, we got the Almond-Crusted French Toast with Cranberry-Cherry Sauce and not wanting to be too fat, we ordered the Garden Omelette (broccoli, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, corn and Vermont cheddar) as well. I was incredibly impressed with both dishes, but there was something very very special with the french toast. I've been eating homemade french toast for as long as I can remember. My dad, who's a fantastic cook, has made french toast all my life and 95% of the time restaurants can't touch it. It's simple, full of flavor (whether it's plain, banana or blueberry), and perfectly golden brown. Only the truly insatiable would look elsewhere. Sarabeth's french toast, while different, indeed rivals my dad's. The crisp outside with almond crust, the lightly powdered sugar, and soft interior was perfectly combined, and to add to its loveliness, the sauce was a revelation. It wasn't soupy or watery, and was bursting with deliciousness. What a relief to have the proper amount of topping! Anyway, the brunch was divine. Luckily, there are a number of locations in the city for everyone to enjoy. I hope the others deliver so strongly. This is worthy of a 5 star brunch review.
(5)Liz E.
After over forty-five minutes of waiting in the October sun, my friend and I were finally called to enter the girlish world of Sarabeth's, where the servers are so-so but the food sublime and plentiful. We started off with, as my friend described, "good" coffee and five dollar orange and grapefruit juices each. The juice is expensive but it's quite excellent, unmarred by the addition of sugar. We were both in a waffle mood, so while my friend dug into a huge, orange-colored pumpkin waffle, I tackled a crispy potato one adorned with chicken sausage. Both breakfast dishes were the pinnacle of their respective flavors: sweet and savory. The pumpkin waffle, though accompanied by a dollop of sour cream, was dense and sugary what with the maple syrup and smattering of raisins and nutty pepitas. Mine, on the other hand, was like a Jewish dream come true, with a chunky applesauce that was not at all sweet for dipping. Because the bill is steep, it might only be worth to come to Sarabeth's once a year, especially since you'll need a break from the caloric offerings on the menu. And when you do, come early to beat the sometimes hour-long wait.
(4)Christopher B.
I didn't get much here. I had just had a disappointing bagel from H&H down the street, so I wasn't ready for a whole meal, but the people I was with had not had anything, so we stopped a Sara Beth's. Good atmosphere, with a sidewalk café sort of feel to it, but with full hearty meals. I ordered just a side of Three pepper Home potatoes. They were kind of disappointing because the it appeared they just through some peppers on top of the potatoes, and the potatoes themselves were bland, but I guess it got the job done. The service was good and the place was nice, but I probably will not return. There are just so many better places in New York.
(3)Elaine Y.
This place was placed here to fulfill my brunchiest dreams! On my first visit to NYC, my dear friend brought me to Sarabeth's because she'd heard good things about it, and boy did she hear right! Upon walking into the venue, you'll notice that the milieu carries a beach-side nostalgia and quiet ambient chatter. Loved it. The hostess and servers were perfectly friendly a we were seated and placed our order: Salmon Eggs Benedict and Almond Crusted French Toast. My friend requested iced tea to accompany her meal, while I had English Breakfast with milk and sugar for mine. What a prefect compliment! When the food arrived, there were no regrets. The Salmon Eggs Benedict was AMAZING! Moist, savory, and served at the perfect temperature, I couldn't ask for a better bite-sized party on my taste buds. Yes, it was THAT GOOD. As for the Almond Crusted French Toast, it was sweet and carried the perfect texture and delectable taste. Thank you, Sarabeth. Life was good at this moment in NYC. :)
(5)Evelyn K.
Sarabeth's was jam packed on a Sunday afternoon. We thought that we were escaping the crowds by going for brunch at 2 in the afternoon, but we still had to wait about 45 minutes to get a table. But my oh my, was it worth the standing around and listening to our stomachs growl. I appeased myself for a little bit by ordering an iced tea over the bakery counter. It was lightly flavored with passionfruit and garnished with a sprig of mint. Mmmm... So, while we were waiting, we had a chance to study the menu and Michele and I decided to split a couple things. We decided on the lemon ricotta pancakes and the salmon eggs benedict. We were finally seated upstairs, we ordered right away since we were starved at that point. The service was speedy and responsive. The food was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious! I couldn't have dreamt of better afternoon brunch. Oh yeah, and the iced tea was served in these lovely little pitchers. A very elegant touch. I also got some goodies to go for the ride back down to DC...a currant scone, plum cherry jam, and some little cookies. :-D I was a happy camper!
(5)Alena B.
This place is great. Best breakfast/brunch in the city. Yes...it just costs too much...yes you could be waiting a LONG time if you don't get your butt up at the crack of dawn or know someone who can get you in. This is all true, but it's the best sourdough you will find in the City (and I'm from San Francisco...I KNOW sourdough) and lovely omelets with fresh, yummy ingredients. French toast is to die for....pumpkin waffles. It's high end but it's good good good!
(4)Nysa L.
Man o' man o' man. My mouth waters thinking of the goodness that was the potato waffles and chicken sausage. Absolutely delish! The syrup was super yum as well. I was disappointed with my super weak and watery Green tea but I am a green tea snob to be fair. . . I forgot what my girlfriend had but I remember it was yum too. Reasonable prices. Cute decor though our two person table was a bit too intimate. My knee kept knocking my girlfriends and we aren't models..SMH. And I felt like everyone around us could clearly hear our conversation...which normally would be fine, but not today...this very adult, morning-after conversation could scar a lil' Curly Shirley for life. But Go! ....skip the brunch rush by going late brunch hours.
(4)Jeff Y.
this place was my last sit down restaurant on my recent visit to NYC. It was rainy and busy on a Sunday morning brunch, so a wait was expected. The staff got us in in a very orderly manner and so I really have no complaints there. My buddy and I shared the crab cake Benedict and lemon ricotta pancake, both which were tasty, but not mind wowwing. I started with the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with fresh berries and was pleasantly surprised with the lemon zest married with not too doughy pancake batter (I HATE DOUGHY pancakes). The berries were sweet and not preserves so that was a plus. The crab cake benedict came with a side of toss greens topped with light dressing, but I can't think of anything spectacular about it. The yolk was a bit runny, the way I like it, and the biscuit was flaky as it should be. Overall, not a bad dish, but like I said.. could have been better.. possibly the crab cake could use a bit more seasoning. btw there was a decent amount of crab and there were two biscuits and two eggs. we came away with a bill under $30 as we avoided their $3.50 drip coffee, total rip.. coffee cost what.. cents??.. what's up with that. All, in all, I like the place for their professional service and solitaire, clean, baby-power fresh bathrooms. amen.
(4)Toya F.
Ive only been here for brunch. This place gets so busy during the weekend for brunch that's there's always a line full of UWS parents with strollers trying to get in. This is a place you got to on an off day...like during the week or a very rainy or snowy day to avoid the wait. I would say the best food item is the Lemon and Ricotta pancakes. I wasn't feeling the chicken sausage. Its a big space which is rare for a NYC restaurant. I will definitely go back maybe when I take off from work to see the Planetarium.
(4)B. Y.
I know it's been around forever and is nothing new in a city that prizes the latest and greatest, but I can't help it. I love the place. Whenever I visit, I get the same thing - which is always perfection - the pumpkin waffle with chicken apple sausage, a side of three pepper potatoes and the four flowers juice. It kind of ages me, though, that now all of these items are about double the price they were when I first tried them . . .
(4)Paul O.
Sarabeth's West was essentially an expensive Denny's. There wasn't much of an atmosphere and the food was terrible. I got the chicken caesar salad and could not believe how bad it was. And it cost nearly $20! What a waste. Don't go.
(2)Maryam S.
Well, get ready to wait at least 30 minutes for a table... But, once you sit down you're in luck. My farmer's omelet (bacon, leeks, gruyere cheese, potatos) was delicious, as was the pumpkin muffin I got alongside. It's a lot of omelet for one person, but don't worry, I finished it all. I'd like to go back here and try it for their other meal options... the dinner menu looks super tasty.
(4)Jack N.
As good as brunch gets on the UWS!!! You must do it! We had the Salmon Eggs Benedict & the lemon Ricotta pancakes... Both were so amazing, balanced, and good, that we ordered additional orders of each!! Really great service, amazing food - every drop of that food is good. :) Waiters was great in providing recommendations too! I will be a new regular :)
(5)Cory L.
This is the place to go for vistiors craving a quaint brunch, egg lovers (as duly noted by others), and even families (this one has a full lot of stroller parking on the weekends). My wife found this a number of years ago--and we even dutifully bought the jam at Target until they mysteriously stopped carrying it. I may be an outlier but this type of food in the Whitney setting seems anachronistic. But I tried the Central Park West location with a group and liked the setting even more than this Upper West original. If you haven't gone--you need to try it--as it does a homemade, back-to-basics in a snazzier way than most and will only disappoint those whose expectations are set disproportionately too high.
(4)Aisha W.
One word, yummy. This place does brunch right! Way crowded restaurant though and long wait due to popularity, tough on a cold day. I had the french toast with strawberries and bananas and my friend had the spinach and goat cheese omelette. We both became members of the clean plate club! Still left feeling a little hungry though.
(4)Jamara W.
LOVE THIS PLACE ! Went to Sarabeth's this past Saturday on a whim. The food was excellent. I had the red omelette which was a life changing decadence filled with a chunky sauce of tomatoes and red peppers with cheddar cheese, topped with a dollop of sour cream with chives For drinks we had Four Flowers Juice and the fresh squeezed OJ. My partner had the french toast which was to die for. The fruit they served was fresh and the service was speedy. We were there before 11 am so there wasnt a wait but the line was forming by the time we left. We never felt rushed to eat or leave just the right touch of service and ambiance. We will make Sarabeths part of our brunch rotation from now on.
(5)Alecia C.
Enjoying everything. Wait was short. On my second 4 juice cocktail. Awesome. Food amazing. Friendly service. SO GOOD..I can not wait for my next breakfast meeting in NYC.
(5)Amy S.
The food was delicious and wonderful...but $4 for coffee? $6 for orange juice? I would absolutely go back, but next time I'm drinking coffee at home first. I thought the food prices were totally reasonable - I think it was about $10-$15 per breakfast entree. The food was really, really terrific. I had one of their oatmeals (with wheat berries, cream, brown sugar, and I think some other stuff I forgot) and my husband had a potato waffle with apple sauce, sour cream, and maple syrup. I really would like to try everything on the menu. It was pretty crowded when we were there, but we were seated quickly. The service was fine - nothing memorable, but we certainly did not have a bad experience.
(3)Jesse H.
Nothing special here. Had a bland steak and fries and a mediocre nacho appetizer. NY has much more to offer!
(2)Katherine L.
This place is wonderful for an after dinner tea and dessert. It's got classy atmosphere, not too crowded at night, and the waitress if friendly even if people are just interested in desserts. I know that this place is famous for brunch, but I like this place at night.
(4)Lia M.
Went for Saturday morning brunch, and place was crowded by 9 am, but we did not have to wait. Our server was friendly, though a little scattered. The hostess was super nice. The inside is really cute, but small. Lots of families come here (the 'hood is filled with 'em). Would not bring a group here. I had the fat & fluffy French toast with homefries & juice. The homefries & fresh juice were great. Probably the best homefries I've had. The French toast was alright, but would not order again. The boyfriend loved his cheddar omelet & croissant. He said the coffee was good too. We did have a 15 minute wait from the time they cleared our table until the time we received our check though. Maybe because there wasn't a line at the time? Anyways, would definately come back, and maybe try the waffles or pancakes.
(4)Erik L.
I was visiting on vacation in the area and was taken here on my last day. First of all the wait for brunch was pretty long, but the food was excellent. I got the potato waffles with smoked apple sausage and apple sauce. Actually the apple sauce was my favorite part as it had a jelly-like texture. Everyone in my group seemed satisfied with their meals and I heard the muffins are really good as well. If I ever get back to New York I know where to go for a good brunch this time.
(4)Melissa H.
This place was an absolute disappointment, I regret straying away from G.E.T.E even more after coming here! We went on a Monday night, the streets were dead, as well as Sarabeth's. We assumed the service would be on point since there were four servers, and a total of six customers. But you know what they say when you assume... The menu isn't anything impressive, but there's some good home-cooked feel options. I decided to go with the ($25) prix fixe. Tomato soup for starters, tilapia with root vegetable puree and strawberries & cream for dessert. My boyfriend decided on the Ceasar and chicken pot pie. The waitress came to take our drink order (tap water for both of us) and it took about 20 minutes for her to bring it over, and it came with the starters. The soup was actually really good, still had chunks of fresh tomato in it. The ceasar salad was.. a ceasar salad. Nothing extraordinary. The breads in the bread basket were all delicious, but cold. Agh! A while after, the dinner arrived -- they never cleared the starter plates ,so we held them up so the entrees could be placed down. The tilapia (and accompanying sauce) was really good, cooked very well. The "root vegetables"? Just mashed potatoes, with crispy leeks on top. The pot pie was more of a reconstructed one, with the puff pastry being placed on top in the ramekin. Neither us were really impressed. After sitting there for literally 25 minutes after our entree was done, a waitress finally came over. We were fed up with sitting there for soooooo long that I barely finished the strawberries (although the fresh cream was very good) and we peaced outta there. I do dig the old-style decor, though. Although the light fixtures need some updating.
(2)Minji K.
It's a bit cramped and you'll usually have to wait, but in my opinion, the brunch at Sarabeth's is well worth it. Their lemon ricotta pancakes are SO GOOD - fluffy with a not-too-overpowering touch of lemon. I've tried many a time to recreate them at home and have failed miserably. Their omelettes have the fillings actually running throughout and not just hidden in the middle - I'd recommend the farmer's omelette. I've gotten their peach apricot jam to go, which was also amazing.
(4)Marty R.
We've been having breakfast/brunch at Sarabeth's whenever we visit the city for about 10 years now. It has a terrific selection of egg dishes (I love the Goldie Lox) and delicious pancakes, muffins, and breads. When we visited last year, we had dinner there for the first time. We had a prix fixe dinner with lobster, which included salad and a huge dessert, all for a very reasonable price. The food is good any time of day.
(4)felicity s.
Sarabeths was strangely empty last night, maybe because we showed up at 9.30pm - anyway the food was lovely, so it deserved to be busier. A good selection of bread to start - I swiped the raisin nut roll before my friend got a look in - and then I had a risotto with shrimp and proscuitto. I was a bit worried by the amount of proscuitto in it - rather a lot - but in fact it tasted pretty good, not too salty, and the shrimp were gratifyingly large and very well cooked. My friend went for 2 appetisers, some quesadilla and a plate of butternut ravioli - he didn't leave me any, so I can't say what they were like - but he seemed pretty happy. We shared a really lovely warm bread pudding for dessert with vanilla sauce - yum.
(4)Arch R.
I can't say enough about this place! There are very few places in NYC you would go to twice for brunch because there are SO MANY choices, but sarabeth's is definitely one of them. I don't love that there's a long-ish wait on the weekends but then again, it's NYC. The red omlette and almond-crusted french toast are my absolute favorites! I always get my friend to order one and I order the other and share because both are not to be missed out on! If you are in UWS, be sure to check out this place for a yummy brunch with great service.
(5)Chris L.
Service is terrible. Food is decent but Good Enough To Eat is way better all around and it's only a couple of blocks north. Go there. Great service and best brunch in NYC.
(2)Allison M.
Okayish food, indifferent service which gets lousy if you stay long enough, high prices. We had to beg for our water glasses to be refilled, which they then were maybe once? And for Pete's sake change the glasses when they get grubby, people. I hate sitting there looking at a grubby water glass. Same deal with the coffee. For four bucks you get one cup and when you ask for a refill you get a nice big genuine smile and....nothing. Our wine came AFTER our meals had arrived and even then we had to ask repeatedly for it. Basically if you go here be prepared to badger the wait staff constantly but I mean really, why bother?
(2)Steve G.
Wrapping up a sunny, winter day in NYC, we chanced an early dinner here with two preschoolers. As luck had it, we slid in for the lunch/tea menu. How many little kids complain with scones and cookies on two towers in their faces? Our little ones loved the homemade chips & guac while my wife and I enjoyed the calm and romantic setting. With so many amazing restaurants in the city to try, I am happy to say we are likely to return!
(4)Vee V.
Does it live up to the hype? ... Not in my book. I went out late last night and went to sleep dreaming about the delicious brunch I was going to eat. We got to Sarabeth's around 1pm and waited about 50 minutes until we were seated. By that time, we were starving and had watched as waiters walked by with tons of yummy plates of eggs and waffles etc. Which made ordering all the more exciting... I ordered eggs benedict (sans the ham) bc i'm a vegetarian, and the waiter kindly offered to make it eggs florentine (with spinach instead). My bf got the red omelet and my brother got the spinach and goat cheese omelet. We also got the "morning crunch" (granola, fruits and yogurt) and a side of potatoes to share. The food came rather quickly (a definite plus), and the first few bites were really exciting. However, a few more bites, and I realized that it was just the hunger talking. While Sarabeth's has good quality food, the meals are not very inventive or mouthwatering, just standard brunch fare. All three entrees were okay - the omelets were fluffy (nothing special) and my eggs florentine were on these weird disks of doughy bread, instead of an english muffin... (as advertised in the menu!) As for the sides, "morning crunch" and potatoes were rather mediocre. The granola was definitely not toasted, and did not have a lot of texture or flavor. The potatoes were just sauteed with some peppers, really bland, they definitely could afford to spice this up. (My suggestion would be to cook the potatoes until they get tough on the outside and stay soft on the inside...) I suppose I was disappointed because I set my standards too high... Since I cook so much and really enjoy making breakfast/brunch, I often go out to restaurants to find new and innovative recipes. While I could go here again for an okay meal, I'd rather try another place where the wait time is less, and the coffee doesn't cost $3.50! (oh yeah the coffee....bleh!) ps. (I do regret not trying something off the "sweet" stuff menu... maybe i'll have to reconsider?)
(3)David X.
Great brunch place, minus the wait. Fortunately I got there like 10 minutes ahead of everyone else so, I guess, on average we only waited like 20 minutes or so. Doesn't hurt to flash a smile or two at the hostess either.... But the food was great and we weren't hurried at all. I had a lox omelette which was good, except lox isn't really lox when it's actually cooked, but whatever it was still tasty. We also got a collective order of home fries that was quite tasty, and the muffins that accompanied all the dishes were all great, not too sweet but buttery and yummy.
(4)Neha S.
I've been to this Sarabeth's a bunch of times. The wait for brunch isn't too bad, but I don't think it's worth it. But I'm also not a big breakfast person. Have gotten the french toast here which was very good. Wasn't a fan of the Bloody Mary or the pumpkin waffle. Last time I came, I got their warm berry bread pudding which was delicious. It was nice because the restaurant was practically empty since most patrons are only brunching here. The service was wonderful and the dessert was the best thing I've had there, and I'm not even a big bread pudding person. It is definitely shareable and heavy. Definitely worth checking out.
(3)Jen M.
Went there while on vacation in New York and was trying to find a place for brunch on a Monday. Only had breakfast menu not full brunch. I ordered the French toast which was good, but seemed a little steep (even by New York standards) at $15. Our waitress was horrible, though! The busboy and host were very helpful at meeting our needs and chasing her down. Overall, cute atmosphere but overcharged for what you get.
(3)Sheri K.
I've spent x-mas in NYC for the past three years, and my new holiday tradition is to go to Sarabeth's the day or two after x-mas and have my annual bloody mary. I really have only one bloody mary a year, and this is it -- it's big, strong, vegetabl-y, and gives me a nice buzz. As for the rest of Sarabeth's brunch menu -- consistently good, sometimes outstanding, sometimes just OK. But I do look forward to the one time of the year where I start drinking before noon, and manage to get my daily serving of vegetables to boot.
(4)Alice C.
Very cute and charming place. While visiting NYC, we came here for brunch on a weekend, the wait was pretty long but good thing we weren't starving. We were definitely starving by the time we sat down though. My friend had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. I usually don't eat pancakes, but these were great! Soft and fluffy and w/ a hint of lemon. I had the salmon eggs benedict which was equally delicious... although I was eyeing her pancakes the whole time. Come here on a weekday if you can to avoid the long wait.
(4)Jessica O.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were excellent! So was the red omelette! My husband also enjoyed the sausages and coffee. I had the hot cocoa - which was good (but a little bit sweet).
(4)Namrata A.
Sarabeth's is a really charming place because it makes you feel like you are at home, very Martha-Stewart ish. The wait for Sunday brunch was extremely lovely. We ordered pancakes, OJ, and almond toasted french toast with cherry cranberry sauce (delicious!!). The prices are a little bit heavy, but I think the meal probably cost my friend about $30/35. The only downer- the wait is insane and its a crowded place, but totally worth it. I will be going back.
(4)Kendra A.
After a yummy brunch at the CPS location, we figured we'd try lunch here a couple of days later after a museum morning. The lemon zest tuna salad was really yummy, and there was plenty of it. The mister had the market veggie salad, which was a little disappointing. The food was definitely outshone by the Ladies Who Lunch. Confidential to the woman on my left: I'm sorry your hairdresser doesn't want to work anymore now that she's retired, but that's what retirement is all about. And to the woman on my right: your makeup should not be thicker than your skin. Or your coat, for freak's sake.
(4)Jennifer H.
Other than the wait, it's a wonderful brunch place. We were able to kill some time at the stores around the restaurant, so the 40 minutes went by fast. Amble choices for breakfast and lunch items. The coffee and water were topped off continuously. Lots of groups and a few families, and the vibe was comfortable yet elegant.
(4)Kate T.
I've only ever been here for weekend brunch, and it's always been delicious. I have no idea what the 'hype' is cited in some of the other reviews, but this place is awfully good. The eggs benedict are absolutely wonderful. The worst meal i've had here was the red omelet, with was only quite good. No one i've gone here with has ever complained about their food in the slightest. If you get there before about 10am on a weekend, the wait isn't very long at all. By about 10:15, the line is reasonably long, but it's probably still worth it. The waitstaff is always pleasant and helpful, though service can drag a little during the brunch rush. Sarabeth's is my go-to brunch venue when i'm playing hostess to out of town guests, though i may branch out and start going even when i have no visitors in tow.
(5)Edward M.
I took my office to SaraBeths for Brunch Sunday. The tomato soup bisque was delicious as was the french toast. The seating was comfortable for our table of 6. There was a 45 Min wait in the cramped front of the restaurant. Parking was a pain but this is NY. I found a garage a block away for $20. Justin's bloody Mary was an impressive concoction!
(4)Dottie D.
Sarabeth's was one of the best dinners I had in NYC during this trip. Not saying much in a trip full of mostly crap food but I think I would have liked it regardless. The place is cute and feels a little nicer than a lot of the other spots in this area while still feeling really comfortable. I went for dinner. I was craving a turkey burger and Sarabeth's was pretty perfect. The fries were a little cold and not salty enough but the burger was fantastic. All of the dinner entrees seemed really good and I would definitely go back for more. But, the best part was the bread basket that began the meal. My goodness - I know the place is a bakery, too but this stuff was outstanding! Multigrain rolls, miniature buttermilk biscuits, crusty miniature baguette-style bread... The bread was phenomenal. Sadly, they were out of three of the desserts that night so we didn't get to try any of it since the few that were left were not for us (I know, I know - it's hard to imagine a dessert that is 'not for me'). But, seriously, can someone please explain how NYC restaurants run out of things so frequently? I don't understand that. Maybe it's an Upper West Side phenomenon because before this trip I had never had this happen the way it consistently happened at almost every restaurant this past week. Next time I'll be staying in Brooklyn so I'll keep you all posted on that burrough's stocking issues. Until then, enjoy the bread at Sarabeth's!
(4)Wafa Y.
It is a little pricey but their brunch is really good. A lot of people are waiting for a table, be patient. But once you have a table, the waiters are kind, their drinks tasty and the pancakes amazing ! By the way, you can not go with your stroller, you have to keep your baby on you, not very convenient to eat ...
(4)Cheryl C.
With my deepest apologies to my brunch companion, who is most effusive in praising Sarabeth's, color me just a little disappointed. Maybe it's the hype, the long lines, the aforementioned effusive praise. Maybe it's just that I was born in the South and I have high standards for this sort of breakfast food. But I wanted my socks knocked off, and I was still wearing them at the end of the meal. The cheese blintzes have lemon in the ricotta and are served with some sort of plum-apricot (?) preserves. I'm not sure it worked. Sure, it was like rays of sunshine in my mouth. But I didn't want sunshine, I wanted cheeeeeeese blinnnnnnntzes. I don't think I even got my blintz itch scratched, because, as you can see, I'm still craving blintzes. Mmm, blintzes. With strawberries on top, not plum preserves. I also tried the pancakes and I don't understand what people find so special about them. The scones are good, but definitely resemble biscuits. This is not a bad thing, as they've got the flaky texture that says the fat was cut in perfectly (the way the biscuits I make wish they tasted). Just didn't expect my scone to taste like a biscuit. So, nothing here is bad, it just feels a little ... off ... to me. I'm not detecting greatness here. Three stars. --------------------------------------------------Â--- UPDATE: I came back here for dinner. One star. My burger was overdone and flavorless. My waitress ignored us, even though the restaurant wasn't crowded. My water glass sat empty from just after I arrived until after the food came. I couldn't even get the check; I wound up just leaving cash on the table. Awful. I know, we'd both ordered the cheapest things on the menu, but I was going to compensate with a ridiculous tip. I didn't. Not even positive how much of a tip I left, seeing as how I couldn't get the check, but I still think I left too much. I was sorry I'd brought my friend here. I'd assured him it was a well-regarded place.
(2)Lynn C.
I was extremely disappointed with my dining experience at Sarabeth's the other day when I had a guest visiting from oversea. First of all, there were flies in the dining room. GROSS. I felt like I was eating at a street vendor stall in Asia. I had the Salmon Eggs Benedict that came with a side of salad. The Salmon Eggs Benedict itself was very bland. The sprinkled red bell pepper and chives on it didn't seem to go with it either. I would totally let it slide if it was a $10 dish, but no, it was $17. So not worth my money. Then the salad. The leaves were badly bruised and not fresh at all, not to mention the lack of taste. I didn't even know how to complain about it to the waitress as I felt dumb stating the obvious. I decided to asked for more salad dressing in the hope that would somewhat turn my salad around, but no. After I poured the salad dressing the waitress brought me 10 minutes after I asked for it (it was at 2:30pm on a Monday), it had a funny taste, which made me decide to complain. The waitress explained that was the only dressing they used for all of their salad, but she brought me a new side salad with the only other kind of dressing they used in the restaurant anyway. The second time around, it looked slightly better, but not that much. I already lost my appetite by then, so I didn't even bother finishing the salad. My friend had the Open Faced Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sandwich. The fries that came with tasted worse than the fries from McDonald's. How sad was that? And apparently her watercress apple salad was pretty bland too. I'm giving them one star for the decent lemonade and the fact that the waitress who was somewhat responsive. I have been there once a long time ago, and I remember the food being decent. I have no idea what happened, but it doesn't matter as I'm not going back any more. I don't understand why this place is so popular. Very disappointed.
(1)Jennifer S.
Terrible wait. Lousy service and mediocre food. Thought it would be way better based on the reputation Sarabeth's has and the line outside of the restaurant. Also thought the food would taste better judging by how it looked. Well, as we know, looks can be deceiving. I recommend going to Good Enough to Eat any day over this place.
(2)Marie C.
Sarabeth's is a consistently good & high quality neighborhood restaurant. Brunch is famous and you'll have to wait for a table on weekends. Brunch/lunch on weekdays is still lively, but generally no wait. (This place must be listed in tourist guidebooks since it's packed with out-of-towners, especially foreigners, during the week.) Lots of egg dishes, awesome lemon ricotta pancakes, great salads and sandwiches, and even a pretty good burger and fries make up the breakfast/lunch menu. Dinner & desserts are always very good too. Lemon meringue tart and chocolate pudding are spectacular! Dinner is usually much less crowded and more relaxed than the midday rush. Nice for a quiet meal. They do live jazz on Thursdays. Staff is super nice. Casual atmosphere.
(5)Kirsten S.
The lemon ricotta pancakes are everything that people say they are-- the perfect balance between sweet and savory, the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty, and the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy (thanks to the fresh berries that come with it). All I would recommend would be to knock down the price a little and add something savory to the plate: a scrambled egg? potatoes, perhaps? Service was good, coffee was great, iced tea came in a cute mini pitcher, and if you go at 9:30 am on a gloomy weekend you might just get a seat outside without having to wait...maybe :)
(4)Kate D.
Enjoyed the lemon ricotta pancakes and a nice pot of Earl Grey. Pricey, but hey - it's NYC.
(4)collette s.
Disappointing and way too expensive. The food, omelette and French toast, was adequate...nothing more. In addition, it was $ 10.00 for two cups of coffee with breakfast .and the price wasn't on the menu or I wouldn't have ordered coffee.
(3)Hiral M.
I have been going to Sarabeths for a long time and so when a few friends of mine from Paris wanted to meet up for brunch on the upper west side recently, I instantly thought of it. There is usually a line outside, and I have generally waited 30 minutes to an hour on a weekend morning. I think the Lemon Ricotta pancakes are excellent and I would also recommend having one of their J.Roget Mimosas. They bring you an already filled glass, the rest of the split and some fresh orange juice. I highly recommend this great brunch place.
(5)Adrienne L.
Like this place needs another four-star review, but I had to this time. My party of four plus a baby was seated within 15 minutes on a Sunday morning. WHAT? Yes. After 10 a.m. They even offered to drag over a third table-for-two if we needed extra space. The plum cherry jam is the best thing you can do for yourself. I have three in my pantry ... yes, I order it online. You can't go wrong with anything on the brunch menu, but I think the almond crusted French toast is best.
(4)Diana L.
yum yum yum! My husband had the benedict and I had the lemon ricotta pancakes. Both were delicious! Too bad they're all the way in the upper west side or I'd come here more often. I wish they would open a downtown location!
(4)Leslie Y.
I went with a group of 9 to Sarabeth's and was quite disappointed, as I think many of the group was. Although nothing was "bad", nothing was particularly good either. I had a Mango Chicken salad that was described as including fresh mango, chicken, arugala and hearts of palm. It was the size of an appetizer, mostly plain sliced grilled chicken breast sitting on top of a tiny portion of arugala, a tablespoon of mango and one sliver (1/8 inch slice) of hearts of palm - for $15. The presentation was nice, but for a casual restaurant, the price was a joke. We waiting a LONG time to be served, basic things were forgotten and waiter needed to be called back continuously to be reminded and we all left hungry.
(2)Lenny G.
The food was pretty good, with decent portions, but our waitress was pretty rude. Never refilled our water, took forever with everything and generally had a bad attitude. I'd rather skip out on the food than get treated like I'm an inconvenience.
(2)Tricia S.
The breakfast was great. Definitely worth the wait (which there always is on weekends). I've heard the lemon ricotta pancakes are great, but I chose an omelette, which was awesome. I would definitely return here for brunch on a weekend. The only downside is in the winter there is nowhere to wait but outside. When the weather is warmer it's not too much of a bother to wait outside.
(4)Bernadette N.
I really wanted to like this place. When I lived in Manhattan, I never had a chance to eat at any of the Sarabeth's. I'd always heard they were so good. If I lived on the block, I would probably go back, but since I don't, I will probably never return. Arriving at 8:30 (with a reservation) was perfect. There were only a few other tables seated. By the time we left at 9:45, there were about 4 parties waiting outside. I also learned at this hour, it's a kidzone, also perfect for us. Our little 9 month old had a load of other kids to look at and babble to. The staff could not have been nicer. Always on top of refills and constantly picking up fallen toys for us. The decor. Before we walked in I thought it was going to be French Country, once inside, it felt more like a crummy diner. A bit disappointing. The food. I really liked my potato waffles served with sour cream, apple sauce and two sausages, albiet, the sausages were overcooked and dry. My husband seemed to like his salmon benedict, but wasn't totally in love with it. My main complaint is the prices. For $30 breakfast, I feel like I should have been wowwed a little.
(3)sasha h.
I know this place is cliche and now has many locations so less of a personal feel but i used to live nearby and was a frequent visitor so i guess i still remember it fondly. I only go for brunch which mind you is slightly on the pricier side for certain items (juice is $6 / granola is $9). Juice: Four flowers is really good -just the right amount of sweet, their other juices are fresh squeezed Sweet breakfast: Lemon and ricotta pancakes, French toast (apple cinnamon is really sweet but the regular is pretty good, very fluffy) Eggs: Salmon eggs benedict, The red omelet, Spinach and goat cheese (these are good not great) sides: Love the three pepper home fried potatoes Muffin: they give this as a side with some dishes, the pumpkin is really yummy if you like the taste of pumpkins I'd also add that sometimes it feels like the crowd has shifted to an older one so its the place i take my mom to now
(4)Boki H.
Don't understand why this place is so popular...such a disappointment...waited so long...hostess was so rude...food was just ok....nothing impressive at all...
(2)Jenny B.
just so so considering the hype. got an omelet and it needed salt/hot sauce. friend got pumpkin waffle which was good, had interesting sour cream/whipped topping. muffin and jam so so. salad with goat cheese and poached pear pretty tasty.
(3)EP G.
Make a reservation for early morning hours if you don't like waiting - but it's worth the wait if you get there at 10 or later. Lots of eggs Benedict options, fluffy omelets and lemon ricotta pancakes. I had the special - crab cakes Benedict - awesome, although it was funny that they chose to put completely unnecessary English muffins under the crab cakes, which were fantastic. Still a great dish - served with mixed greens on the side, with a nice salad dressing. Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, which can be ordered with or without champagne - served on the side so you can mix it to your preferred stregnth, which I found very thoughtful. I've been to Sarabeths a few times in the past few years (east side also) and it's always clean and well kept, with pleasant, efficient service.
(5)Alice C.
Hooray for weekday lunches! Pros: No wait (though we did have reservations) and relatively friendly and attentive staff. Cons: I got sick from eating a salad, which is really not fun when you are walking around the city for the rest of the day. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say, I wish NY were more like Paris with it's very civilized and convenient coin-operated potties. Even though my salmon salad looked fresh, I guess it really wasn't. One friend got a chicken salad, which she said was kind of "meh," and another got the ricotta pancakes, which I had a bite of and found quite tasty. Will I risk getting sick again by eating here? I dunno ...
(2)Jen R.
I always love every Sarabeth's I go to. This is no exception. I recommend ordering a mimosa (they have multiple flavors) and the eggs benedict. They are the fluffiest poached eggs you'll ever eat. I promise! The omelets are also fabulous. It is a must try in NYC!
(5)Morgan P.
I heart, heart , heart this restaurant. I've only been here during brunch but i definitely recommend making a reservation via open table if you don't want to wait a while for a table on the weekend. The food is to die for. The homemade bread and muffins are delish. I had to buy some of their jam to bring home. Makes you want to like the knife afterwards. The chicken sausage is also very good. The Red Omelet and the Ricotta pancakes are a must have. The price will make you do a double take, but once you taste them, you'll forget you just ate $15 eggs until you get the bill. Eh, you only live once.
(4)Becca Z.
Good but not great. We went at 9AM on Saturday, so it was pleasantly full but not crowded. I think it was just too much hype. The pumpkin muffin was good, but it all seemed a bit lacking. The potato waffles were bland. The bloody mary was awful, and cost about $17. The red omelet got the best reviews at the table - but if I want juevos rancheros, I'll go elsewhere. I probably won't return - only if I was already in the neighborhood.
(3)Nathan S.
Massively overpriced. Extremely touristy. Feels like a restaurant in Orlando. Uninventive menu with poor execution. In my book, a place to avoid.
(2)Sebastian K.
Super expensive for what you get. $4 for an awful machine-coffee? Really?? $16-18 pancakes? We order savory, the eggs and omelettes but to be honest I don't remember anything about it. It's the perfect way to describe it. You won't remember your food at Sarabeth, so order a lot of mimosas or bloody Mary's to have a good time and don't expect to have a good meal. Savorless and expeeeeeensive
(2)Huong V.
A quaint neighborhood spot in the UWS with outdoor seating. Good food, good service and nothing beats just sitting out and enjoying fresh air and people watching when the night is warm. We ordered: 1. Crab spaghetti: delicious. I don't normally like seafood with too much tomato sauce (prefer cream), but there's wasn't too acidic. The crab was fresh and they weren't cheap on the quantity either! 2. Lemon ricotta pancake: decent. Wasn't exciting, but hits the spot. 3. Four Flowers Juice: this is super yummy and fresh! It's almost like a smoothie without the thickness.
(4)Jacky P.
Sarabeth's West is the worse brunch restaurant I have ever been in New York City. Their manager and waitress have the worse service attitude I have never seen. I wouldn't go there again even if they offer their food for free. I haven't made any bad comments in any of the restaurants thru Yelp and Sarebeth' West is the first one and you can imagine how bad they are!!
(1)Joanna V.
I know this is an NYC institution but I really wasn't all that impressed. My friends and I went for brunch and I ordered the frittata with asparagus and gruyere cheese. It was over cooked and a little flavorless. Some of the other omelettes my friends ordered were a bit better but pretty average. The scone I got with my omelette was pretty good and of course, the preserves served with it were delicious. The mimosas were good but that's kind of hard to mess up. This isn't a bad option for brunch but it's not the best brunch I've ever had.
(3)Jamie F.
We've always walked by this place and never went in because the prices are not conducive to our lifestyle. Given that it was my boyfriends birthday, we made the exception and went ahead for brunch. It was nice that brunch was offered even during the week, as we both work weekends, and going out for a boozy brunch isnt something we ever get to do. We didn't make a reservation, and were lucky to get a table with no wait. I know this place is notorious for having a line out the door, and a wait for a table. Birthday luck was in our favor. The tables are very close together. So if you're looking for something intimate and quiet, this is not the place. However, thats New York. Tables cozy together, and an active atmosphere. The prices are really the only thing that have kept us away. We're not penny pinchers, but then again, we're not rollin in it either. So $24 entrees per person are usually something we avoid. Especially since we know of much more affordable places. We got the banana, orange fruit mimosas. I wasn't expecting them to bring the small split bottle of champagne and a refill of the juice with it! So for $12, it was worth it. We also ordered a basket of the muffins and jams, however, I wish it was written on the menu, or mentioned, that they arent mini muffins, they are full sized muffins. Between two people, it was a lot of bread. A croissant, and five muffins? We boxed up most of them and brought them home, with a refill of the delicious jams (thank you!). For our entrees, I got the Almond Crusted French Toast, that came with strawberry sauce and thinly sliced almonds. I got four pieces of toast and it was more then enough. My boyfriend got the Fat and Fluffy French Toast that came with fresh strawberries and bananas on top. It really lived up to the name... fat and fluffy. We also shared an order of the three pepper hash browns. The food was delicious, the drinks were awesome (I mean, with a whole split bottle, you can make it as strong as you want, and you get the whole thing for yourself. Kinda hard to mess up). The only reason this place doesn't get a full 5 star rating for me are the little things. We had some empty plates hang around our table for awhile, some sugar wrappers from our coffees that didn't get cleaned off and the prices just make it unrealistic for us to visit on the regular. Service was great, and attentive, and fast. I did feel slightly rushed having the bread basket brought out then the food shortly after, but like I said, we never would have finished the whole basket anyways. Our bill was $90 for the two of us. Again, two mimosas, two coffees, a basket of muffins and two entrees. We'll go again, but save it for a special occasion. Unless you're willing to spend over $100 on just breakfast for two.
(4)debra p.
I had always heard about how great Sarabeth's was but never actually went. Well, it worked out that very early Sunday morning my boyfriend and I grabbed the paper and had the most wonderful breakfast. The coffee was amazing (and a bit strong which we love) and the omelettes were simple but outstanding. It just goes to show that using incredibly fresh local products really does make a world of difference. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Jen N.
A nice, little brunch spot located in Upper West Side! A friend and I made reservations online for brunch this past Friday. The restaurant was pretty full but there were still a couple tables open. There were also a few tables out on the patio but of course they were already taken because of the gorgeous weather this past weekend. I ended up ordering the Popeye Eggs and it was fantastic. Popeye Eggs included scrambled eggs, ham, and sauteed spinach topped on an english muffin. It seemed like there were at least 4 eggs scrambled because it definitely was a lot of food. The english muffin was amazing! Sarabeth's english muffin seemed more like a thick slice of loaf bread rather than the kind you normally find in the grocery store. It was crusty, buttery, and so tasty. I also ordered a pumpkin muffin on the side because, frankly, it's now fall and I will happily eat pumpkin everything! It was served with butter and their delicious preserves. The pumpkin muffin was just as I had hoped for.
(4)Patrick S.
Nice breakfast spot, but I was a little let down on my visit. Sarabeth's is a little plain Jane. Perhaps I was not adventurous enough in my ordering. Will give them another try when I'm in town.
(3)Brittany R.
Went here for my birthday brunch. It has a southern charm to it, or maybe an old school catskills country club charm. I'm not sure which, but it was cute and cozy. I had a seat in the back, I probably wouldn't have been so charmed by everything if i had sat in the front. it was crowded! and there is no waiting area besides in the front in between the tables. not the best set up. my friend had a fancy eggs benedict and i had french toast. we both enjoyed our food. we both had mimosas...hers was plain and i had the four flowers. I liked that one order was basically two mimosas. The four flowers was too thick though, I would have preferred a bellini (not on their menu). I bought two jars of jelly. Opened them about a week after i bought them. They were chunky but not bad and i thought they would go great in some cookies. I opened the jars again about a month later to use them in cookies - they had been fully sealed and in my refrigerator. The first one i opened was moldy. White fuzz. ick! i threw them both out.
(3)Elizabeth L.
Sarabeth's is more of a "Seen and Be Seen" type place, but when all is said and done, it serves a good brunch and the jams are delicious. For those with sweet tooth-s, like me, I recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes. Very tasty, with just the right hint of lemon. The pumpkin waffle, on the other hand, didn't taste anything like pumpkin and reminded me of the waffles I used to make back in my college days in the cafeteria.
(3)Christine C.
Loved the four flowers juice! Perfect for the beginning of a day. Went here for brunch and had the gardens omelett. It was delicious! Would come back again and try others. It was a Saturday - make sure you have reservations or get there early! The line is super long if not.
(5)Lam N.
I'm not sure why such a cozy, homey looking place feels so sterile and unfriendly inside. It might be the service, which wasn't terrible, but didn't really seem to want to be there. I ordered the Farmer's Omelette, which sounds awesome but it felt more like Farmer's leftovers thrown in with some unseasoned eggs. My gf ordered the "fat and fluffy french toast," which may have been fat at one point, but were now just sadly bulimic and were fluffy much in the way that bricks are. If i'm paying over $45 for a breakfast, I expect something more than uninspired, overcooked eggs and stale french toast. Can't think of a single reason to go back to Sarablehs.
(2)Elana D.
So I know this is Manhattan and that things are expensive, but $25 dollars for some pancakes and coffee! Holy Cow! I mean that might be okay if I got something other then just the lemon ricotta pancakes (which were delicious to their credit) but that's all you get! The serving was enough. The coffee was good but I had to ask for it to be refilled and wait forever just to even get it. The service was pretty bad and I went later in the day on a Thursday and it was not busy. I am sure there are some better places to spend a quarter of your benjamin in manhattan!
(3)Myah T.
Went here this past weekend with a girlfriend and we both loved it! Drinks: The pickled blood marys were extremely tasty and only $5 for a huge goblet - maybe a little light on the liquor content, but the huge size of the drink made up for it. My friend had the four flowers fresh fruit juice and she was happy! You can tell they only used high quality fresh fruits. Brunch: I got their famous lemon and ricotta pancakes which totally lived up to everyone's reviews! They were AMAZING! Nice delicate lemon curd ricotta flavor, perfect pancake consistency, thickness and size. They aren't those typical oversized, overly bready types of pancakes. Whenever I order pancakes, I rarely finish them all, but these were gone in a jiffy! Also had a side of bacon for $7, over priced, but I needed some protein with my pancakes :) Bacon was good- nothing too out of the ordinary. My friend got their potato waffles which were also a hit! Not quite on the same level as the lemon ricotta pancakes, but delish nonetheless. The sausage that came with were great! very farm fresh taste and everything was well cooked. Got the raspberry bread pudding to go and heated it up in the microwave when I got home. totally yummy!!! I would definitely hit up this place again.
(4)Daisy J.
WAY OVERRATED Waited 45 minutes, had red omelette, food is way overpriced and nothing distinguishable. Also they have a sanitation score of B, which is nothing to be proud of. It seems like a tourist destination... I think locals would know of better places
(2)Mitchell J.
Great place to meet rich grandmas. Overpriced food. Good muffins. Very stuffy.
(2)Nick W.
Two words: crabcake benedict. Never fail to be wowed by my brunch here. Food may be pricey for brunch, but it is well worth it for an occasional treat. Classy decor and upscale ambience lend themselves to being a great place to take parents and friends from out of town. Kids? Maybe not so much, although there always seem to be a few tables with very well-dressed children.
(4)David L.
Oh I'm such a fantabulous trainwreck. I'd do me. Only a stone-throw from my new apartment, it almost pains me to say it but I just don't think this place is for me -- I mean, come on people, it's Tuesday at 9am and I'm hungover, why are you all smiling, why are you all wearing the same clothes, why do you all have the same stroller -- seriously, get out of my face. I'm asked: "Would you like to sit outside?" Absolutely not, no way, no thank you -- all those buses and taxis and pedestrians -- why do they even call it Al Fresco, what's "fresh" about exhaust fumes and dog urine and cigarette smoke... I'm here for peace and quiet -- and a gallon of water, please. Last night, on the enormous terrace of my brand new incredibly beautiful penthouse (don't worry, it's only temporary), I got fantastically drunk with two prominent celebrities, maybe you've heard of them: Grappa and Syrahh, they're kind of a big deal, we're kinda besties... Oh yeah, and one of the stars from Ugly Betty was there, too -- we talked about French organ music and Dallas' amazing Meyerson Symphony Center... So, anyway. Stumbling into my seat, I already knew what I was having -- a soft (meaning slightly runny) omelette with smoked salmon and cream cheese with chives and sourdough toast with butter and blackberry preserves -- plus a side order of sauteed spinach... My thoughts on the food: the eggs weren't "soft" at all, the salmon was slightly too salty, the toast was just okay, there was only one tiny chive, I loved how they folded the cream cheese into the eggs, and the spinach was great. Some guy complimented me on my shirt -- I had to look down to see what he was even talking about, I honestly forgot what I was wearing -- apparently I'm a baseball fan or something. The waitress was incredibly sweet and attentive, but not at all obnoxious -- it's an extremely fine line... The bus-boys were a little too formal and affected, in my opinion, but perhaps that's what everybody else expects them to be. As I staggered out -- right foot, left foot, breathe in, breathe out -- come on, ol' boy, you can do it -- I was given a few sweet sincere salutations. I'll be back at some point, I suppose, why the heck not... But I really wish they served things like corned-beef hash or biscuits and gravy or chicken-fried steak -- that's what all the old people (one of which I am not, thank you very much) really want, anyhow, and, let's face it, this neighborhood is sort of like an old folk's home.
(3)Vina A.
Walking into SBW is like stepping into a Martha Stewart magazine, which is cute and cozy if you don't think about it and adds a nice backdrop to the reliably tasty and satisfying breakfast foods. The jams are amazing on everything. Farmer's omelet was beautifully made with gooey Gruyere, leek, potato and bacon bits and came with a good scone with jam and butter. The maple syrup really brought out the pumpkin in the pumpkin waffles.
(3)David Y.
Very good food here. Came on a Sun morning and line was out the door. Got a seat after a 15 min wait. Table was not great since it was a small one near the front and the line of people waiting was on top of us. Food was terrific. I had the Crispy Potato Waffle with Pork Sausage (I subbed it instead of the Chicken Sausage). It was the best sausage I've ever had. The potato waffle was very tasty with the syrup and chunky applesauce. My wife was a big fan of the lemon ricotta pancakes which went well with the fresh fruit. She also had a mimosa which was very good. Portions were not huge, but just right to satisfy without stuffing yourself.
(4)Eric Y.
I spent my years in NYC not bing able to try out one of new york's premier brunch spots. Sarabeth's. Virtually every New Yorker has eaten at this great institutions once in their life. I must admit I have always wanted to come here and finally try Sarabeth but always another trendy brunch place pops up and having brunch here always got pushed to the back burner. Until finally I had no other excuse. A good friend bought us a gift certificate to eat here. So finally we got up one Sunday morning and made the trek here to the upper west side to give Sarabeth a try. I am glad we did... When we got there the wait was appx. 30min. We essentially waited 10 min to be seated. The menu was loaded with an array of freshly squeezed juices and yummy muffins. I decided on a freshly squeezed cocktail. Looking at the table next to ours... To my delight i saw these lovely pancakes stacked high as a organic chemistry book drizzled with maple syrup and came with a side of hash and huge strips of juicy bacon. I couldn't say no. So I settled on the pancakes. Pancakes were sweet and savory. Just as I expected. the pancakes were stacked and fluffy huge strip of bacon and the organic juices hit the spot.
(4)Asha C.
Had a less than stellar experience last night. In fact, it was very below average. Came in around 8:15pm where my two friends were already seated and had placed our orders. The place wasn't crowded. We waited, and waited and finally asked about our appetizers, fried oysters and tomato soup, around 8:40pm. It came out around 8 minutes later and the oysters were cold. However, it was late and we were hungry, so we ate it. Mistake on our part. We finished our appetizers and then at around 9:05 our meal came out. Was really hoping for a spectacular main course of shrimp pasta. It was horrible. The pasta was undercooked and the shrimp was overcooked and everything tasted like frozen peas. Sad. Wish we would have spoken to the manager, because it really wasn't good. We packed up our dessert to go and when I went to enjoy it, I bit into part of a peach pit. So, that was that. I really wanted to like Sarahbeth's because I hear their brunch is amazing. However, I don't want to imagine what it's like on a crowded weekend morning, where it is a full house, and a lot of orders are coming in and out. This whole experience would be one star, but our waitress was a sweetie. So cheers to that!
(2)Jennifer K.
My family and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast here today. The French toast is perfect. Fluffy challah and fresh fruit. Yum! And we ordered 4 different omelets and home fries. Everything was delicious. Just be warned that it's pricey. I have never been charged $8 for a glass of orange juice until now.
(4)Mahsa T.
Basic brunch served right. No frills and no fancy dishes, just your run of the mill brunch items. I had an excellent server, she was friendly and made me feel really welcome since I was dining alone. I ordered the GOLDIE LOX (scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese), which came with a choice of muffin and I got the blueberry corn muffin - delicious. Good portion, so at least I was full considering the $17 price. I also ordered orange juice and coffee (both good) and got to enjoy an outdoor seat since I came on a weekday. Though I wish they would fix the uneven flooring on their outside seating area. I felt like the things on my table were going to fall off every time a bus boy walked by. I imagine it gets packed on the weekends, so try to come here off-peak. Overall, good experience.
(4)Joy Y.
Restaurant Week lunch. All dishes have big portions and huge flavors. Both the gazpacho and quinoa bowl were surprisingly spicy. The seafood stew was hearty and delicious. Desserts are supposedly their strong suit, but for me highlight of the dessert options were the grilled peaches in the shortbread, and all other components were just too sweet. Overall the $25 meal was a good deal, and service was casual but prompt. Crowd at lunch hour was mostly neighborhood's tweens grabbing late breakfast. The menu has options for everyone and the cooking is always consistent and reliable.
(4)Jeff S.
On the few occasions when I've eaten here I'm reminded of why most restaurants close after 1-2 years. There is just nothing terribly special....food is dull and predictable, seating is uncomfortable and service is aloof to poor. Felt as though we were intruding on much more important matters for the staff than the customers at hand. The bathrooms are a fright, not clean, wastebins are too tall for the counter heights and uncovered, used towels are scattered around the room, drains were sluggish and the seats don't stay up because the floor is not level. I found the check to be particularly obnoxious.... showing calculated lines for 20, 25 and 30% gratuity.....honestly... ....
(2)Orinda K.
I loved going to Sarabeth's. They have a few locations in the city and this is the first and only one I've been to so far! I was quite impressed. Got here at around 11am on a Sunday. No reservations but we got sitted within ten minutes. Service was fantastic. Our waiter was attentive, helpful, and nice. He did an amazing job. The food was GREAT! Loved the fat and fluffy French toast! It was magnificent. My favorite French toast in the city by far - and I will definitely be visiting again to order it! Absolutely loved it. I would skip the buttermilk pancakes as they were sort of bland. Bloody Mary's were on point and absolutely recommend having one! A little on the spicy side but great blend! Ambience was great. The crowd was varied. The restaurant is simple but pleasant to be in. Loved it! Thanks for a great experience!! A little on the pricey side but Sunday brunch always ends up adding up! :)
(4)Joyce Q.
I'm so glad I chose this spot to have my birthday brunch! The place is actually bigger than I thought and was super busy. The wait was about 20 minutes, which is surprisingly short for a weekend. We were seated very, very close to the people next to us, that it was pretty uncomfortable for both us and the party next to us, but I forgot about it as time went on. I ordered the Salmon Eggs Benedict served on an English Muffin, my friend ordered the same but on a Croissant and my other friend ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon served on a Croissant. They both really enjoyed the croissant, which really made me regret my decision to have mine served on an English muffin, but it was still very good. I've had many Eggs Benedicts before and I have to say, this dish is one of my top favorites. It has a very light, clean taste that left me very satisfied and not too full, even though I only ate half. We also ordered the Grapefruit Mimosas to complete our boozy brunch, which I highly recommend! I'm not a fan of alcohol but this drink was very tasty and I found myself constantly going for a sip. The staff was also friendly and the waiter even cracked a few jokes with us. A great place for brunch in the city!
(5)Christina L.
Came here for my birthday. I made a reservation in advance for a party ~10. It was a Tuesday night so it was pretty much empty. The service was great and they sat us right away even though people trickled in after the reservation time. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, which was very bland. The lobster was good, and the mac and cheese was good, but together they didn't really compliment each other. Tried my friend lamb shank dish, which was amazing and a very big portion! Would highly recommend getting that!! Overall a decent experience, but I don't think I'd go again for dinner.
(3)Molly T.
I came here on a Saturday afternoon around 3 for brunch. Because it was 3, my dining companion and I were both starving, so we were overjoyed to find that open tables were plentiful at that hour. One note: I am not a seasoned brunch-goer in the city, so my bar is not set too high. Though I dine out often, I lack sbustantial brunch experiences to compare this one to, so keep that in mind when reading this. Service: Excellent. If it was less than excellent, I would've given this place 2 stars. The restaurant was pretty empty, so I would've had a short fuse for inattentiveness. Water was refilled quickly and our food came out shockingly fast. And quality was not sacrified for speed, as you will see if you read on... Food: Two thumbs up here. I've been to the Central Park South location so I wasn't surprised in this regard. My dining companion ordered the Four Flowers Juice to start and loved it. I'm not a huge juice person, but when someone has a reaction like that to a drink/food, I can't stop my inner mooch from coming out. And wow, that drink was pure tropical paradise. Orange, fresh pineapple, banana and pomegranate juice combined to perfection. And just the right amount of pulp. The only downside of the juice was that it reminded us that we soon needed to face the bitter tundra that is New York City in February as opposed to an island wonderland far, far away. To eat, I ordered the Garden Omelette (broccoli, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, Vermont cheddar) and my dining companion ordered the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict (crab cakes, hollandaise, peppers, chives). Very, very tasty. The omelette was a bit greasy for my liking (at the Sarabeth's on CPW South there was not a trace of grease to be seen on my eggs) but they were otherwise wonderul. Solid four stars for the food. Overall, I'm giving this four stars because a) I am well aware that there is better brunch out there, b) i have seen far more creative brunch menus in my lifetime and c) this wasn't overwhelmingly, lip-smackingly delightful. Just very good.
(4)Elisa L.
It is pricey for brunch but the food was good and I like how they make their own jams. The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing!! We bought one of the jams to take home, since we've never seen a blood orange marmalade before. Even though it is packed, they seat people in a reasonable amount of time. I would also recommend getting the Four flowers juice- we both loved it! The only con was the slow service. The tables next to us were served so quickly and before us, even though we were seated first.
(4)Gauri W.
tbh I like this place because it feels just so NY. The food is good, fresh, and well-made but nothing to blow you away. I went for brunch - after the line at Jacob's pickles turned out to be too long - and was not disappointed. The coffee and scone stole the show. What is their jam?! I want to bathe in it. The omelette is fine, but for almost 20$ I expect it to come with more - so I'd say this place is pricier than necessary. However it feels very classy and old-NY style, as if SJP and her gang would laugh about sex at the table next to yours. Would go again.
(4)Jonathan H.
Very nice. I ordered the classic eggs Benedict and wasn't disappointed. Little lacking in flavor for my taste, but the presentation was on point.
(4)Gloria H.
After my first experience at their Central Park South location, I've been DYING to go back. Alas, I am the most impatient person ever, so I could never bring myself to go. I mean, my first time was in the middle of a SNOWSTORM and we had to wait an hour for a table for three at brunch. Then I heard that they have another location up uptown with a less-than-ridiculous wait time, I knew I had to go. We came here during brunch and waited 0 minutes for a table for three. They offered the same brunch menu which made me very happy (I'm in love with the Goldie Lox omelette- or anything salmon...along with their baked goods and preserves) The staff was super friendly and the decor was very clean. It wasn't as upscale looking as the CPS location but that was a huge plus. It was more comfortable here to me. They also had outdoor seating which looked nice- but it was a hot day. I'm so glad we came here- now I can get my Sarabeth fix without waiting an hour!
(4)Lee T.
The food is 4 stars while the service (host/hostess) is 2 stars. The front desk is not on top of seating and overall provided a subpar experience from the get go. Food is great though. Lemon ricotta pancakes and crab cake eggs benedict were scrumptious. Come here if there is no wait OR if you have an awesome gf to keep you positive, otherwise it is not worth your time
(3)Claire F.
I like this restaurant and would definetly return in the future. I came here with a friend, and had the velvety cream of tomato soup(very very good), Skuna By Niçoise(the salmon was good), the Rosé, Juliette, France, and the Chocolate Pot de créme(love love love). The atmosphere is casual, and the food is good!
(4)Cinthia K.
After many years of having preserves and pastries from this place, I finally stepped foot into one of their locations to actually dine in for a change. My friend and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and we were expecting ridiculously long wait times, but we only had to wait for about 20-30 minutes. Not too bad for peak basic people dining times. Once seated, my friend and I decided to share a basket of their muffins and get separate egg dishes. I had their green and white eggs, which were really fluffy and delicious. My friend got the goldie lox, and she loved them as well. The muffins were also good, as I had anticipated, though they weren't new as I've had them before. Might not have been a good idea to split a basket between just the 2 of us, but at least we go to try them out! Service was pretty swift, though I was my server would've come by to refill my coffee mug more often. Nevertheless, a fine dining experience with great food to boot. Oh yeah, I also saw Jason Alexander on the way in here. Had I had more time, I probably would've said "Cooo-stanza!" to him.
(4)Feliz M.
We went for dinner. We were given brunch menus. We ordered drinks after taking our order come back saying that they didn't have any of them. We should of left then but like idiots we order food. ( we were hungry ):( The salads came unappealing, cold chicken, like just out of the freezer and bland, not flavor at all. And expensive even for NY. Save your money and your time. Go down the street to Oaxaca for tacos !!!
(2)Elle C.
I came here on a Saturday with a couple of friends. We got there at around 11AM and ended up waiting for around 15-20 minutes. I got the Fat & Fluffy French Toast, which was decent, but I expected it to be better given the price level ($18.50). But the portion was quite generous - I was full even before finishing half the dish! They refill the coffee for free too, which was nice. Overall, I would say the quality of the brunch here is above average, but not spectacular. It is definitely on the more expensive side, even when compared with other brunch places nearby. But the upside is that the wait time is reasonable even at its peak, so I would say it's still a decent place to visit with a small group of people over the weekend.
(3)Liz O.
Going to Sarabeth's is a big to-do. I often have my upper west side celebrity sightings here. Much more of a fancy brunch spot than a hangover cure brunch spot. The wait can be long and they don't ever do reservations. This would be fine but there really isn't enough space to wait. There's a small walkway entrance and that's it. When the weather is comfortable, it can be fine to wait out on the street. But when it's extremely cold or hot, you want to be inside to combat the temperature and there really isn't anywhere for you to go. The waiters squeeze by you like you're in the way, and it just feels bad. Plus, if you have a table right by the door (there are many of them) then you're getting a blast of the temperature outside each time a new party comes in. Always try to sit in the back! The food is consistently good. Make sure you go hungry because the portions are filling and rich. The mimosas are great and the 4 Flower one is unbelievably. I'm sure you could just get the juice without the champagne and be equally as satsified. So good! I often get the eggs benedict, which is great. Their homefries are more like oven-baked potatoes with green peppers--very tasty. We always order a second portion for the table. Last time I went I got the seafood cobb salad off the lunch menu and it was amazing. The right amount of filling, lots of protein and veggies. Win win. Also, as I often pay attention to bathrooms, Sarabeth's has 2 nice, spacious ones downstairs. They have ample waiting space down there, if only they also had that kind of space upstairs this place would be 5 stars in my book.
(4)Marlene D.
Nice venue, decorated in a Hamptons kinda way, I don't know how else to describe it. I love the four blossom juice. Do not leave without ordering one!!! They have good pancakes here. Service is timely and friendly. I had the banana buttermilk pancakes last time, minus the strawberries and they were good. I also had a goat cheese and spinach omelette which was decent. I don't know why, but I keep finding myself going back to this place, so I guess that makes me a fan. : )
(4)Macey M.
Yum! This little nugget was recommended and our tummys were happy we followed! I even ordered two breakfast plates! French toast with bananas and strawberries Classic eggs Benedict Granola with fruit Side of bacon
(4)Tom N.
We went here for breakfast midweek in search of a "traditional" breakfast (perspective: bacon and eggs) rather than bagels/sandwiches which is a pretty common fare in Manhattan it seems. The food was really quite good though on the pricier side given the portion sizes but very tasty. Service was exceptional but the coffee was rubbish and $4 for a cup of drip? Nice enough place to bring a date/family.
(3)Liz B.
We had an awful experience at Sarabeth's this weekend. My family was in town and unfortunately we wasted our time here. Overall, we had terrible service. Long waits to sit, to be greeted by a waitress, to receive plates. They even 'ran out of OJ' during brunch (however as we were leaving we saw guests being served glasses). Not worth it at all. Overpriced and all around bad experience.
(1)Me F.
The eggs Benedict was good, simple, and tasty. However, unfortunately it's over price. The eggs Benedict were $18.50. Therefore, I rated it 3 stars.
(3)Evan S.
It costs around 20 dollars for Eggs Benedict here, so I expected a mouth explosion. Not only was the dish mostly tasteless but the yolks were rock hard. My wife's dish was the same. Our waitress was sweet but we almost never saw her, it took about 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee and another 10 to get our bill after we ate. We won't be back.
(1)Roxy I.
We went to Sarabeth's West for Sunday brunch around 12:30pm. The place was very crowded and we had to wait 30-40 mins. After we got our seats, we had to wait another 10 mins until we got water and coffee. The signature fruit mimosa was an amazing drink and they even gave us leftover champagne to refill. Fat and fruity french toast was also big and tasty- perfect brunch menu. The only problem is that they took forever to do anything. We had to wait for seats, coffee, to order, to receive food, and for a check. Waiters are friendly, but they can be a little more attentive and quicker. Also, a little overpriced.
(3)Victoria V.
Great seafood Cobb and tomato soup! The service was a little slow but the wait staff was very helpful and sweet. Cannot wait to come again! Also- the brunch is amazing!!
(4)Cristina G.
I love the coffee , the cookies and the patisserie from this place , the jam was incredible . Nice place to have a coffee .
(4)Himelda M.
We arrived at 11:20 and stood on line like everyone else. We were a group of 5 people. At 12:15 we were still waiting. But 3 groups of five people who were behind us on line had been seated. We asked the host why we were still waiting. She was annoyed that we asked. She said the others were ahead in the list she had on the computer. We asked how they could be ahead if they had arrived later. She had no answer of course but continued to be very annoyed. Her name is Erzea. The food was OK, nothing special. The level of noise high. the service slow. Next time we will go back to Matin, a block away, with wonderful food and great service.
(2)Terry K.
I've been coming here for awhile now. The food is consistent and good. The atmosphere is a usual Manhattan bistro style. They have a good menu. The service is hit or miss with my experiences. This all depends on what day and time you go there. But everyone is friendly and they try to do their best. Overall I will keep coming here.
(5)Guin T.
Just walking by on our way to the Historical Society and stopped in because it gave off a good vibe. We came in during the "late lunch" time and I was very pleased to see brunch as an offering. I had the goat cheese and spinach omelet and my husband had the rib hash. Mine was solid, but he definitely won lunch - so interesting and flavorful. The marmalade was so yummy, and we ordered English muffins along with the corn blueberry muffins (also so good, with actual blueberries, not dehydrated bits). Service was fine and attentive. It's definitely going on our list; I'd like to try it for actual brunch!
(4)Esther C.
Came here on a Tuesday night so it was rather empty. For starters, I had the yellowfin tuna tartare. It was quite yummy and served on top of a tortilla chip. I think I tasted some mayo in it, but not completely sure. For entree, I had the salmon. It was very delicious, had a nice char, and was borderline melt in your mouth. I think if I had it a tad more rare (I ordered medium), it would have melted in my mouth. The sauce was quite nice as well and went well with the fish and potatoes. I sampled the Lobster Mac & Cheese from my friend's plate and it was underwhelming. The lobster was good, but the mac & cheese was rather average. Take away a star because I had called to ask about bringing a cake to the establishment. There's a $10 cake cutting charge and the person on the phone did not seem to know the answer, so I was put on hold a few times.
(4)Brooklyn R.
This place is delicious and they actually have a kids menu which for some reason we always find difficult around the city. Waitstaff was very pleasant as well.
(5)Rose M.
The food was good. Delicious, prepared with care, full of flavor. Lemon ricotta pancakes were a dream. But it's pricy. They charge 4.50$ for a glass of milk. You can buy, like, a gallon of milk for the price I stupidly payed to drink one singular cup of milk. Like, by all means, enjoy the food here - the muffins and fruit preserves, the tasty sausage - but just ready your wallet. Steel yourself. Also: the farmer's omelette is really good. Such a fluffy, full taste. Highly recommended.
(3)Fara A.
Great food. Four flowers drink was delicious!
(4)Adamilka D.
Me and two of my friends wanted something different for brunch on sunday 1/19/14 and i found this spot on google. The reviews got our attention so we said "hell lets go for something new. OMG what an amazing experience. Great food and great service. But the bill tho. We were not ready for that $163 for breakfast. I got 4 silver dollar plain pancakes for $18 and two eggs for $7.50 with a juice $8. #WTF .... Some girl stopped by and asked me if i wanted coffee so i said yeah thinking that cup of coffee was not gonna be $5. Sarabeth sweetie are you outta your god damn mind?? I do recomend the place dont get me wrong. Just be ready for the tiny spot with a long line and a 40mnts wait. Doesnt matter your party size. I WONT be back. Thats for sure. Unless the bill falls on someone esles pocket. :)
(4)Natalie C.
Really enjoyed this place! Went here on a rainy Saturday am. Wait was 10-15 mins and they were totally accurate. Place was clean, friendly and pretty. Felt comfortable and enjoyed my meal in a cozy small booth. Was a great breakfast with a great wait staff. Would totally recommend!!
(4)Nicole L.
Not bad, and very friendly service, but it is quite expensive for the portion sizes. That being said, everything was cooked well, which can be difficult. It is also a bit small for those of us with kids (and strollers). The potato waffles were good (different, and I like the idea of sour cream on the side to help add a tang to the dish). The lemon ricotta cheese pancakes weren't really worth the money. It just tasted like regular pancakes with a hint of lemon. However, the pancakes were fluffy, and well cooked. The apple breakfast sausage was definitely nothing special, and the apple chutney they covered the sausage in didn't seem to mix very well. That being said, while we weren't impressed by the food, my son ate everything in sight and kept asking for more. For that alone, this place was upgraded from 2 stars (because of the price to value ratio) to 3 stars. Would I come back? Probably not, for the price (It ended up being about $70 for two breakfast dishes, one side of sausage, and one side of homefries). But I had a good time, and more importantly, so did my little one. -------------------------- Just a note to the IDIOT server... when the parent tells the server: "don't put the hot plate on the table in front of the kid," and removes that plate to another section of the table, that is NOT code for... put another hot plate in the now empty spot... When this kept happening (4 times since we had 4 plates come out), we were really pissed. I couldn't tell if the server was just lazy and didn't want to move to another section of the table to put the dishes down, or if he just didn't understand English, but, come on, use common sense man!
(3)Joya J.
Went here for brunch. It was pretty crowded, but they were able to get our party seated within a timely manner given the crowd. The prices were slightly higher than I'd expected, but the food was better than I could've imagined! I ordered the lemon & ricotta pancakes which were incredible. I will definitely be going back to get them again. We were all very satisfied with our meals despite the pricey menu.
(4)Joshua M.
It was a refreshing change to all other restaurants with a bright and airy atmosphere. The only fault is that they ran out of some main entrees and almost all of their desserts.
(4)shana l.
Really good brunch spot. Came here with the fam for a late brunch. We actually got lucky and didn't have to wait. To start my sister and I had the four flowers juice which was absolutely delicious and very fresh. I had to tell her to slow down! The glass they serve it in is quite large which is appropriate for $6.50 per glass. I had the Goldie Lox which is scrambled eggs lox and cream cheese mixed in. It also came with a muffin or bread of choice. I chose a corn muffin and it came with jam. Yum!! Dad had the seafood Cobb salad which he really enjoyed. I can't wait to come back and try all of the other delicious sounding foods on the menu, especially the lemon ricotta pancakes that I've heard such great things about. 4.5 stars
(4)Chad S.
A close friend of mine was RAVING about having brunch at Sarabeth's the day after we ran the NYC Marathon so we did. Bleh. The spot is cute, in a great spot in the Upper West Side. However, service is mediocre and I could have sworn the potatoes in my corn hash had been frozen. The muffin was pretty good but that and the fruit preserves were the only saving graces. While dining, we even spotted TV star Ron Rifkin (Alias, Brothers & Sisters) who sat next to us with his wife. They both ALSO complained about the blandness of the food and lack of prompt service. I don't think I nor Ron will eat there again.
(2)Tiger L.
I've always wanted to like Bloody Marys... And finally I do! Super satisfying and spicy (you can ask them to cut it with more tomato juice).
(5)Abhi M.
I had the Popeyes omelet. Eggs usually never blow me away but these eggs were mad goood. The English muffin is home made and extremely good. The home made jam is excellent too. The only down side is the wait but all in all, it's total worth it. By far the best brunch I've had in the city. Gonna come back very often.
(5)Anthony P.
Food was excellent but a little pricey but worth it. The apple cinnamon French toast was the best.
(5)Abbey V.
What a wonderful breakfast. There is a little bit of a line on the weekends, should you not have a reservation. Without a reservation, a wait for two took us no longer than 20 mins to be seated. My husband had a smoked salmon scramble and I the crab cake (not much of a typical breakfast food person). Both were wonderful, and I look forward to returning soon.
(4)Rev. Deborah J.
Sarabeth's dinner menu was a disappointment, and so was their food. I would have given them 1 star, but they earned a star for friendly service.
(2)Rahim R.
I wanted to give it 4 1/2 stars. Let me begin with...my GF has made this a staple of all her girls trips to NYC before we moved here. So in honor of her love of this place I've entertained her urges to eat here. It's nice restaurant. You enter in and may be huddled near the register waiting on your table. I've turned away opportunities to sit in the front. I just wouldn't want to sit there eating with people hovering around you. (it may just be me). The food is routinely great. I've had only one miss and that was because I couldn't fully visualize the description on the menu. I've settled on the Scramble + Smoked Salmon + Cream Cheese with a side of 3 pepper fries. Awesome. Needless to say, I'll be back.
(5)Cici T.
What's in a name? While Sarabeth may specialize in breakfast and brunch fare, I was a bit underwhelmed by their platters. Chalk it up to perhaps not ordering the right dishes, but among the four of us, the consensus was that while good, Sarabeth was not great. I appreciated their soft and fluffy omelettes, but that alone didn't seem to explain the undying love garnered by this restaurant. The bacon wasn't particularly thick or crunchy, the english muffins and toast were similar to the store bought variety, and the pumpkin waffles were hearty, the type you'd tire of somewhat easily. Sarabeth is by no means a poor choice, but just a safe one when it comes to breakfast and brunch.
(3)Jenny W.
Okay, I lied, I did return to this location after being told at Alice's Teacup that it would be a 2.5 hour wait for 4! One of my friends was in the mood for pancakes, and so I whipped out my trusty Yelp app and searched for the nearest location, and lo-and behold, Sarabeth's was listed first. We walked the 7 blocks up to Sarabeth's and were told that our wait would be only 25 minutes (it was actually about 40). By the time we were seated, we were very happy to be out of the cold (except for the occasional draft every time people went in and out. Try not to get a seat by the door! Our very hungry tummies looked forward to the warm coffee (I forgot that it was so expensive here), the special soup of the day (crab and crawfish bisque), eggs benedict, salmon eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and bananas, and almond encrusted french toast... Everything was delicious! The only one gripe I have was with the english muffins that my salmon eggs benny was served on... it left me wanting a bit more oopmf to the savoriness! I wish I didn't have to add salt and pepper to my meal but I did! Other than that it was a pretty good meal... til I got the check and realized how pricey this joint is (again). This time I would say I would return happily, there are plenty of things on their menu to try!
(4)Lisa C.
Tasty but pricey. Service was very slow. Came with a group of three, between us, we ordered: ricotta lemon pancakes, salmon/crab eggs benedict, and a pine nut salad (which was light). Food was good; portions generous...would recommend. Atmosphere is cozy, casual...tip: try not to be seated by the door on a cold day!
(3)Kemi A.
My first time here. I will give it 5 stars even though I sat under a dripping air conditioner that kept splashing on me (and I am SURE into my meal as well)....All I'm saying is if I develop Legionella, I know where it came from. My friends made reservations and were already seated before I got there..so lucky me, I got the drippy seat. Towards the end of the meal, the water got a bit heavier...felt like I was in a rain forest. Anyway....to the meal itself. Everyone was pleased with their options. Naturally, I Yelped the place before I went in. Reviews led me to order the Lemon Ricotta and pancakes. with a side of scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. I didn't know what to expect of the pancakes..I mean lemon? ricotta? in a pancake? Ok..if you say so. But it was actually delicious. i don't recall tasting lemon/ricotta in the pancake but they made the cake yummy. My friend got the buttermilk pancake and they looked flat and dry. I tried on and yeahhhh...I'd say go for the lemon/ricotta combo. There were both 5 short stacks. Sausage was yummy. Eggs were eggs. I forgot the drink I had but it was a berry +banana bellini I think. It was okay. Those pancakes and sausages though...they hit the spot.
(5)Kevin C.
Say Sarabeth's and you'll have brunch on one's mind. Great brunch place on the UWS. If you get here early on brunch hours 1030 am you may not need to wait too long. Any later expect a hour to hour 1/2 wait. Is it worth it? Yes. The food is spectacular. From coffee to the pastries and everything in between. Coffee came out hot and freshly roasted with a strong coffee bean taste which i love. Omlettes were light, fluffy, french style. Start off with some home made granola with fresh fruit and berries and milk. Eggs Benedict came out with the perfect poached eggs and a tasty hollandaise sauce. Pastries are a must and the scones and muffins with the pastries basket were great. Don't forget the bloody marys or Mimosas. On your way out, you can always pick up a jar of Sarabeth's preserves. Just right on your pastries at home. A definite brunch time spot which doesn't fail.
(4)Brett T.
A little overpriced, but the food is consistently good so to me it's justified:) The fruit mimosa is amazing and the brunch menu has great eggs benedicts!
(4)Gwen G.
My family and I went for dinner. There were five of us and we arrived a little late but they held our table and were very pleasant about it. Our waitress was lovely; she made sure that we had everything we needed and made great recommendations. She had a lovely and welcoming smile. The Prix Fixe is a great deal; I had a salad, shrimp risotto and a wonderful bread pudding. All delicious. My daughter had the tomato soup (Wonderful) and the grilled cheese sandwich bacon. All of the food was great. This was my first time here and I will be sure to return!!!
(4)Jaime B.
3.5 stars really, rounded up to four based on the fact that I have no choice but to round some direction and I really love the mimosas and eggs. Brunch. Wait takes forever in the summer and a bit in the winter, and prices are high, but it's worth it a few times a year. Why? Four Flowers Mimosa and Goldie Lox. I wouldn't have known about this place, despite its popularity, had it not been for a visiting family member who heard from someone at her hotel and at a bar that Sarabeth's was a great brunch option. After that first visit, I've been back a handful of times. It's pretty darn expensive. But I can't not order a Four Flowers Mimosa. It's my favorite mimosa ever. The Four Flowers juice is so, so, so yummy. And the nice thing is that they bring an extra little pitcher of juice and the remainder of your tiny champagne bottle to the table, so you basically get two mimosas. That makes the price a little more reasonable. My husband loves the Bloody Marys. I usually get an iced tea too, which also comes to the table with an individual refill pitcher and is presented well. I almost always order the Goldie Lox, which has salmon and cream cheese and comes with your choice of bread or muffin side. I like that I can order the omelet with egg whites only, but I hate that it costs a little extra. Still, the omelet tastes great; it's light and fluffy, and really, you can't go wrong with cream cheese in my book. The fish usually has good smoked flavor. Once or twice a few pieces have been slightly overcooked, but not so much that the dish isn't still good. I love the pumpkin muffin and the banana muffin, and of course the preserves are divine. But the muffins have their off days--they aren't always perfect. Guacamole appetizer is delicious; the flavor was great, and I really enjoy the chips they serve with it, which are more potato chippy and not tortilla chippy. But it is one pricey appetizer, and you get lots of food with your meal, so only order if you are starving. I've tried the lemon ricotta pancakes as well, since they seem to be what everyone swears by, and they are good. Very light and flavorful, great choice if you want pancakes but don't like the feeling you get after a standard stack. These are thin pancakes, with a very light syrup, which allows the flavor to shine. The service is just okay. The restaurant is almost always packed, so usually I can understand why service is just okay. But recently I was there when the restaurant had emptied out, and our server pretty much disappeared. It took us ages just to get the check. We weren't given explanation or apology. I hope that is abnormal, and I'm offering the benefit of the doubt that maybe she had an off day or something happened. Given the amount of money dropped here, service should never be lacking though. I've had great servers here; I've had mediocre. Guess it's hit or miss. Oh, and be aware, tables are super close together. Like you will know your neighbor's conversation topics close. Come here for food, not service. It's worth a try once in a while. I wouldn't say it's a must-do if you have limited time. But if you have time to spare and want to splurge, give Sarabeth's a try.
(4)Tamar Z.
HIGHLY disappointing. This is not the Sarabeth's I knew and loved as a child (*on 92nd and Madison). This place was awful. Service was sub-par (slow and inattentive) they messed up my friend's order and by the time they got around to fixing it I had eaten all I could of my overpriced salad which was made with shockingly low quality ingredients and poorly explained on the menu (i ordered a salad with chicken and got half a radicchio filled with dark meet, cold chicken, cooked baby carrots, cold string beans and warm fingerling potatoes??)
(1)Arlene D.
A disastrous Sunday brunch. We were a group of 3 girls (in our 30's) with my friend's small puggle asking for outdoor seating around 2pm. Hostess (who mentions she was new and needs to ask a manager if having a dog around was okay) almost regretfully says the wait was for 30 minutes and makes a point to ensure my friend's dog was leashed so it stays outside the dining area barrier- yes okay fine.. were they always so dog-friendly?- so she takes my name and we decide we can wait but in the meantime, we walk around the block with the dog and come back 20 minutes later for our table that would soon be ready in another 10. When we return we wait for a few min and I ask the hostess again for a sign of update on our table. She says there are still currently no outdoor table for 3 "but if a table becomes available you can just take it," seemingly exasperated. Great! So we wait some more and we notice 2 tables-for-2 were free, just not connected to each other. Fine, we just had to wait for one table adjacent to a free table to clear and we'd be golden. So we ask if they can be nice enough to give us some mimosas while we stand and wait. Nope, "friendly" waitress says policy doesn't allow for them to serve us if we're not seated. Okay. Pause.. so how about if my friend with her dog sits on one outdoor available table and me and other girlfriend sit anywhere like inside (which has more than like 6 free tables, not crowded at all). Surprise surprise- "No, we have a policy," (yet again), "that once we seat you in a particular table blah blah blah, legalese etc, (moving verboten). "Do you have a policy against serving customers also?" Wow! it's incomprehensible how disagreeable and off-putting they were! At this point it's been a whole hour. The very people working in the food service industry who are supposed to value their customers and treat them with attentive service have completely given us the middle finger. Will not return to try again.
(1)Mae F.
Food was bleh. Service was poor. Was not worth the wait in line. Had to wait over 45 minutes for a table and then another 20 minutes for our waiter. I understand the being busy, but he passed by twice without acknowledging us. Not worth it
(2)Rachel A.
Ordered take out from here and not only did they get the order wrong, but the food was not really that good either. Considering the exorbitant price, this was disappointing. They forgot to send us our order of french toast and forgot to put in an ingredient in the custom made omelets. When the french toast was finally delivered, it was gross, I fail to see the difference between the french toast and plain bread. The muffins were bland and too bready. The juice was not fresh squeezed, both grapefruit juice and orange. So I paid $7 per juice for a small amount of tropicana, I could have gotten a whole carton for less than $4! Not ordering from here again.
(1)Diandra D.
There's a reason Sarabeth's so frequently finds itself on those "Best Brunch" lists you see in New York Magazine, Time Out New York, and any other print or online publication that takes the time to generate such lists. Simply speaking, Sarabeth's KNOWS BRUNCH. When my mom, brother, aunt and I went one Saturday morning, we got a sense of just how popular this place was in the neighborhood: the line was out the door, with people braving the cold in the hopes of snagging a table (even if they had to wait 30-40 minutes to do so). Once seated, we decided to try a few things and sample each others meals (strategy, guys, strategy). On the menu: Eggs Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, almond-crusted french toast and the farmer's omelette. There's nothing quite like lemon ricotta pancakes made the right way. The ricotta makes the batter extra light, so it seems like you're biting into a cloud of lemony sweetness - delicious. The almond crust on the french toast was not at all overpowering, providing a nice crunch to the sweet toast. Leeks, bacon, potato and Gruyere seem like a perfect mix for a nice winter soup, and that combo works equally well in an omelette: the creaminess of the Gruyere enhanced the saltiness of the bacon, while the leeks and potatoes managed to balance each other out. As for the eggs Benedict (which I ordered): sometimes this dish can be tricky if you don't get a good piece of Canadian bacon, if the egg isn't poached just right, or if the hollandaise is too heavy. No tricks here. Everything was great. On a side note, my hilarious aunt was so in love with the Bloody Mary, she asked for a to-go cup to sip on the rest of it while we were walking around the city.
(4)Peter K.
Service was very slow. Food was nothing special. Portions were actually quite small. Prices were very high for basic things like scrambled eggs - $14.50! If you want home fries, you have to add another $7. You get the idea. Sarabeth's is overhyped.
(2)Angela K.
Good brunches but a bit overrated. Dinner was pricey, underwhelming and lacked any personality. Good spot to bring parents or more formal guests for a quaint traditional brunch. I suggest coming on a weekday if you can. PASS on dinner.
(3)Alejandra A.
Our favorite spot for Saturday's brunch. The french toast with almonds and strawberry sauce..... DELICIOUS! The only detail I noticed recently is the size of the portions, are smaller now. :( Sometimes you have to wait more than 25 minutes because the place is very crowed between 10am-12pm
(5)Ujon C.
I have been this branch quite a lot because this is the nearest one from me. Most of time this branch is busy, but did not need to wait more than 30min. Inside is very cozy, staffs are kind. I like their egg benedict
(4)Elle G.
Since my last writing...I guess my curiosity got the better of me as far as the tea was concerned. I did call the restaurant again...this time the young lady that answered was knowledgeable enough to give me the correct information so that I was able to contact the company directly and ordered the tea by phone. So I guess.....all's well that ends well!!
(2)Jamie C.
I was just itching to come back and write this review from the second we sat down! First off, why were all the tables empty when we were finally seated after waiting 30 minutes? The hostess was completely ditzy. During the entire time we waited, a two top table was uncleaned and unused outside despite the fact that 4 other parties of 2 were waiting! How does this place make money when they are not turning tables?! Second, the food was "underwhelming" per my hubby, but I say UNacceptable! Whatever you do, DO NOT get the almond french toast. It tasted like the non-perishable biscuits you pack in your emergency bunker for natural disasters. DRY, possibly burned, Probably made from chemicals. The strawberry sauce could not revive this thing. The benedict was unimpressive too. How do you make hollandaise taste bland? It's butter and egg yolk for goodness sake! I did appreciate the thick cut canadian bacon though. The only thing that deserves honorable mention are the mimosas which are a great deal. These were possibly the best mimosa I've had. Super fresh orange juice and champagne you could tell was not Andre.You get a whole mini bottle of champagne and a small carafe of orange juice. We had about 2.5 mimosas off of one order. Next time, I will just be going for mimosas and a corn muffin. No food. And, definitely not waiting, cause its not worth it!
(2)James S.
Nom Nom Nom if you go during the week to avoid the crowds this place delivers. friendly service, perfect portions, and a quiet atmosphere make for the perfect date night spot. NOTE: they do not take brunch reservations and I have not been there for brunch but hear its amazing.
(4)Lauren B.
Great place for brunch. Best to sit in the back area where it can be quieter. The food is great. I had the salmon eggs benedict which I'd order again. We didn't order alcohol but they seem to have a good selection. Be prepared to wait a while on the weekends as there can be a very long line and it can be crowded in front.
(4)Linda T.
This place used to be pretty good. I went on a Monday morning while visiting my cousins in NYC. We ordered the buttermilk pancakes and garden omelette and I was not impressed. The pancakes were rather dry and I've had much better omelets for much less price. The place was also surprisingly packed! The highlight of the meal was the four flower juice, a combination of pineapple, OJ, pomegranate and bananas. That was the best part of brunch...oh and seeing my cousin too :)
(1)Jana A.
Yum! A perfect Sunday brunch! One of the highlights of my long weekend in New York City! Be aware of the long wait tho!
(5)Jennifer P.
I actually prefer this location over the ever-popular and ever-crowded central park west location. While the brunch is always yummy here, I really enjoyed my dinner here on a Friday night. It wasn't super busy or loud, and the waiter was attentive. Both the chicken and salmon dishes were excellent. I couldn't get enough of the garlic mashed potatoes the chicken came with either. I don't think their dinner gets enough attention, but they do have an extensive menu with a decent wine and cocktail selection that is relatively inexpensive compared to other places on the UWS.
(4)Kent C.
I have actually wanted to hit up one of the Sarabeth's locations for a while, but never had the opportunity to until yesterday where my friends and I had a flexible time frame to wait for a table. One of my friend's arrived a few minutes earlier than the rest of the group(a little after 2pm), and who we assumed was the manager had told her she could seat us shortly. Then we waited for 10 minutes or so, she forgot about us or decided to seat the bigger group of 8 before us. So they were seated and she said don't worry there is that table leaving soon. I wondered if she mean the table right behind me(table to left when you walk in), because they did not look like they were leaving anytime soon. Anyways, it honestly didn't seem to packed to me, just inefficiency and well sheer stupidity? Maybe they try to give each server the same number of tables to make it even... We were given the option to sit at a table for 4 with 5 people on one of the tables with the bench, we took it so we could sit down and stuff ourselves. We asked for water and my friend's wife asked for a mimosa. Several minutes pass by our server comes back with the mimosa and then asks us if we are ready to order. We asked for more time and she then leaves. I complain about the lack of water to my friends and a few minutes later she comes back to fill our glasses, which btw the glasses and silverware was not as clean as they should be(I'll just leave it at that). I ordered the Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich, 1 person ordered yogurt, 1 ordered the salmon eggs benedict, 2 ordered eggs. The overall appearance of the food was interesting to me... The eggs benedict looked fine, my sandwich looked giant and the egg dishes all looked like they died in the window waiting for the server. They basically looked like the eggs you get at mcdonalds. I can't say I don't like fast food but if you're paying $20 for breakfast that crap better not look like something that cost $5 at a fast food joint. The homemade chips that came with my sandwich were pretty good, crunchy, but there was no seasoning on it. The sandwich itself was a bit messy to eat, but not too terrible, but the chicken oh my! This chicken resembled the frozen precooked tyson or perdue chicken breast that have sear marks on them. I am almost 100% certain that it was since I have had plenty of local deli crap chicken sandwiches and these nasty precooked chicken breast for quick eats at home. It was dry, bland, overcooked, and did not taste like chicken. My other critique on the food is that I have never seen 2 inch thick english muffins before, but then again these were cut in half and place on the bottom of the plate, so they're actually 4 inch thick english muffins. Step aside Thomas', Sarabeth's is going to put you out of business with their english muffins that are 4x your size. On top of the crap food, unclean glasses and utensils the service was also HORRIBLE, except for the table next to us. Our waitress was paying such close attention to them. Maybe because they're a bigger group and they probably charge 20% gratuity, or they just kept ordering alcoholic beverages. This experience definitely removed sarabeth's from my brunch list. BTW, as every other yelper on here mentions, and I would like to reiterate, this place is a pricier brunch place.
(1)Kinjal N.
Hellllloooo Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!! Yum yum in my Tum. Sarabeth's is a small chain in NYC which serves a great brunch. Please don't get the lattes though. One of the most yucky lattes I have ever had. Guess that's what I get for getting a coffee while all the others at the table went for mimosas and other day time spirits.
(4)Roham U.
The trick to nabbing a table at this place for weekend brunch? Come before noon. My friends and I got here at 11:45a on a Saturday and waited about 10 minutes before we were seated. A little after noon and the line was literally outside the door with what looked like a hour wait. I had to pop my eyes back in when I saw pancakes cost $16 at Sarabeth's. Nonetheless we ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes, big fluffy french toast, and the red omelette. The lemon ricotta pancakes were divine- the lemon is strong and baked into pancakes. The fluffy french toast was topped with fresh berries, standard french toast. I enjoyed the eggs the most, the tomato sauce and sour cream gave it a good consistency to dip toast into. Gave this place three stars because I don't think it's worth the price, the wait, or the threats to friends to be on time.
(3)Thomas G.
Had brunch at Sarabeth's with a friend 121/22/2014. We arrived around 2pm and although it was crowded, we were quickly seated. I ordered the crab meat guacamole as an appetizer and it was really good. For my main, I had the lox eggs benedict which was very good. I had the best de-caf capuccino ever. The service was pleasant and professional. My only gripe was the place was a bit loud, but after all this is NYC. Would definitely recommend.
(4)Dolly M.
So excited to meet my daughter at Sarabeth's. She tried the classic eggs Benedict and said it was the best she's ever had! I loved the spinach and goat cheese omelette! The setting is intimate and perfect for a relaxing Sunday Brunch!! Been going there for years, and love this original location the best.
(5)Carmen O.
Came here for lunch and was not impressed. I didn't love the tomato soup but that's a preference because I don't like chunky tomato soup. The adult grilled cheese didn't do it for me. The pretzel bread it is served on is great, but overpowers the cheese so you can't really taste much cheese. More cheese or stronger cheese is needed. Maybe some mustard. I ordered ice coffee and it arrived as I was taking my last bites. Too late for me, sorry.
(3)Alina A.
Beautiful location and amazing food along with mimosas ! A bit pricey but worth the money if you're willing to splurge a bit !
(4)Jennifer J.
Finally able to make it to Sarabeth's, the quintessential New York brunch spot. As expected, there was line & a few people waiting outside. But once I checked in, the wait was only about 30 minutes. I asked if I could go around the corner to get some Starbucks & come back in time to be seated. She said it was fine. Once we came back, we were seated immediately. The one strange thing was that one of the hostesses said they didn't allow outside drinks which is something I've never really encountered. She asked us to pour the drinks into the cups on the table, which I didn't mind because I had actually gotten the coffee for free (the computers crashed at Starbucks) but if I hadn't it was a fresh full coffee that I could only drink for whichever could fit in the cup... slightly annoying. I ordered the Seafood Cobb Salad, it came with huge chunks of lobster & crab. It was absolutely delicious, light & fresh. Our service was pretty attentive & I'd definitely love to come back to try the waffles or pancakes.
(5)Cheryl H.
I used to come to Sarabeth's as a treat when I was a young professional in NYC. I remembered it having wonderful brunch food, flaky croissants, scrumptious scones, etc. I returned to NYC with my teenage daughter and took her there for a non-diner breakfast. While we arrived early enough not to have to wait, our 2 person booth was so small our feet were on top of each other under the table. Our waitress had zero personality and disappeared for long periods of time. We ordered omelets, which were just OK. But the half circle of yellow sat lonely on the plate with whatever bread/potato was ordered. The scone with mine had none of the wonderful texture of true scones but more of wonder bread, and the croissant my daughter ordered had no flakiness, but closely resembled and tasted like the mass market croissants from Costco. No fruit on the plate - that would have been 8 or 9 dollars more. Boy was I disappointed. I accept that New York is expensive, but I wouldn't pay $17 for my omelet another time. Maybe the non-egg dishes were tastier than the egg options, but I won't be going back to try it out.
(2)Leah L.
Short and sweet will best encapsulate this experience. Imagine.....people watching, outside on a sunny day with a lightly buttered, fresh lobster roll with friendly faces around you, as your skin embraces the sunshine and soft blows of wind against your face. As you are eating your comforting lobster roll with a chill coleslaw, life has new meaning. You feel your life expand as your stomach shouts for joy and your mind envisions the historical legacy in the air from the neighboring Natural History Museum and Beacon Theatre. Happiness ensues while your senses say "Seize the day! For the present is a gift." Yes folks, this is Sarabeth's West. People actually put their cell phones away while eating here. Check it owwwwttt yall. The outdoor patio was a refreshing space to dine and people watch.
(4)Anne Marie B.
I guess I just don't get the hype. I adore brunch, but Sarabeth's wasn't anything spectacular...certainly not worthy of the huge lines it garners on weekend mornings. Two of us had a nice meal, but I don't think it's really worth going back. We decided to get two egg dishes and share them so we got the Farmer's omelet (leeks, bacon, potato, gruyere) and the Goldie Lox (scrambled eggs + lox). These come with your choice of bread so we both got pumpkin muffins (great until I took a bite and found raisins tainting the pumpkin, but that's a personal distaste). The omelet, while big, was very dry and the flavor was not that striking. The fillings were small and sometimes not present. The Goldie Lox was our favorite of the two because the eggs were much moister. We also shared a side of pork and apricot breakfast sausage, which basically means pork sausage in a pile of apricot preserves. The sausage was tasty, sure, but I can buy similarly plump sausages from Trader Joe's just down the street and cook them up just as nicely. Our waitress was very nice, so that was a plus, but the food was just mediocre and the prices were too high for the quality and quantity of food received. I would've like some breakfast potatoes on the side of my eggs or maybe a light salad and some fresh fruit. But no, just my dry omelet and raisin-infested muffin. Maybe NY just doesn't understand what makes a brunch "1 hour wait"-worthy, but Sarabeth's isn't it.
(3)Tom B.
Breakfast was tasty. I had the French Toast with a side of Bacon. The portions of French Toast was ample - and while tasteful, far from divine or the best I'd had. Clearly a high margin item for them. Accoutrement was sliced bananas and strawberry. Again, good, but nothing special. Maple syrup is advertised as local, organic - but as I have a regular import of Canadian - my tastes are high and I was not wowed. Bacon and sides are pricey - $7 for a side of 5 slices of bacon. It's New York after all, but in exchange for cost, would like value, and this was nothing special. That said I enjoyed my meal and while not a bargain, was certainly better than average. My wife had the lemon picotta pancakes - nothing amazing in presentation, but flavor was good. Ambiance was nice - clean, bright and very comfortable. Seating and service were quick and staff were friendly and nice. Overall a nice meal and experience and I'd recommend as a once per trip type of visit.
(4)Mads D.
Food is excellent. Would prefer more of it, considering the price. Great place to take your parents/grandparents. Amazing jam. Wish they would bring a whole jar to the table!!!
(4)Dianne V.
We arrived, a group of 8 including 4 children for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Our wait was about 20 minutes which wasn't unbearable. Although I've known about Sarabeth's for eons I've never tried it. Usually when we go to breakfast in the city we notoriously end up at Bubby's. So I was looking forward to finally trying this place. Although I really can't say anything negative about the meal it wasn't really anything to write home about. Their ricotta pancakes didn't hold a candle to the ones I've had at Teresas in Brooklyn. The salmon eggs Benedict was the best of the bunch but not jaw dropping. The apple french toast lacked apple taste. Overall we were fairly disappointed. At least I can say I've been there now. I can also say I won't be back.
(2)Alice L.
Sarabeth's had about a 45-minute wait on a Sunday afternoon. The restaurant is pretty big, but I'm starting to notice that's a commonality between all glossy uptown brunch spots. Must be to accommodate all of the strollers. Menu is extensive - comprehensive varieties of French toast / pancakes / omelets, and more lunch-y plates as well. I noticed several oatmeal offerings which I thought was unique and a standby option if I was in a Goldilocks sort of mood. Food was okay - I ordered the Farmer's Omelet and my friend got the Eggs Benedict. The Farmer's Omelet comes with a side of muffin / croissant / scone, and they were extremely generous with the gruyere. Overall the place is nothing to write home about. I probably would have given this place 2 stars had it not been for the fact that a) Service is very friendly and b) It's generally an agreeable ambiance in which to sup. I will say that a few parties around us ordered the Bloody Mary which looked PHENOMENAL. It's served basically in like a PUNCH BOWL (and at $16 it should be), with all of these bell peppers and stuff on top.
(3)Norman W.
I JUST moved to the UWS so I have a lot of catching up to do. But I can say that future brunch restaurants will have big shoes to fill because Sarabeth's West was dee-lish! We got the lemon & ricotta pancakes because after reading all of the raves I had to. They were just as light and delicious as described. And we got the classic bene which was quite good. I am a big fan of their English muffin, and the hollandaise was not too lemony. Well done! One thing I did observe that I would point out to others is that if you go for Sunday brunch before 10:00 am, it is Romper Room. I counted no fewer than fifteen munchkins there in the 9:00 hour, at least half of whom were in the 2-5 year range. Now, they all seemed very well-behaved so I have no complaints. Would that everyone's children behaved so well in a restaurant! But I just want to point it out to any early birds who may be allergic to children.
(4)Nick V.
We only went there for Sunday brunch with Sarah's Bro and his Gal. It was his idea and I heard positive things about it, so we figured lets try it. As far as the food, I think the menu has some very good selections. We all ordered something different and enjoyed our dishes. Coffee was especially good and the ladies seemed to enjoy their Belininis. I ordered the waffles with fruit and while I really enjoyed it, thought is was a bit pricey. But this is prime UWS mind you, so what can you say? What got to me was the wait for table. It must have been close to 45 minutes before we could sit down. I like the place, but I would not wait that long again for a table there... Unless of course they were giving the food away!
(3)Sean W.
It's like stepping into 1989. The decor is horrible. The bus waiters throw your food at you and leave. Coffee, anything else? Not a word. The tables are bussed like a diner, LOUD! Food is ok but nothing special. Entire meal and experience was more like a Marriott.
(2)G B.
Was in the mood for a Sunday Brunch, so into my favorite part of the city I go. $$$- $15 Buttermilk pancakes were awesome. My girl friend's omelet was very good as well. Service- Very nice and helpful. The Wait- Im getting use to looking up a restaurant on Yelp!, and arriving at the place and being told 30-45min (11am-12pm Sunday) Its just the norm now. Also I figure all the tourist and other locals just do the same thing I do. Yelp is the best. When crowded it feels very small, and a table for 2 will become a table for you, your guest and who ever is sitting next to you because your almost on top of each other. Overall a great place to go for the time I went, I don't suggest groups but I do suggest their Jam. 2 people OJ, Home Fries = $46
(4)Andrew W.
Though primarily a destination for brunch, don't sleep on Sarabeth's for dinner. Compared to many of it's neighbors, it's usually pretty quiet, even on a Saturday night, which is surprising to me because the food is quite good and reasonably priced. I could have their signature cream of tomato soup every night in the winter. If planning a casual dinner for a group in this area, I'd definitely recommend it as well.
(4)Katie K.
Went here after the line for Good Enough to Eat went out the door. Good, filling breakfast. I had plain scrambled eggs with toast (had to choose something plain as I had a bad stomach that day) and my fiancé had the classic eggs benedict with added spinach. He said the eggs benedict was very nice, although the hollandaise wasn't strong. Slightly pricey, but would come back again.
(4)Anna K.
almond french toast frittata of fresh peppers, bacon, scallions, and gruyere cheese popeye eggs lemon ricotta pancakes coffee cottage home kind of decor. got lucky, seated in a nice corner booth. some dishes were average, others were better. constant flow of coffee. friendly servers.
(3)Lia K.
So torn. While the food is quite delicious I cannot say the same for service but mainly the ridiculous wait for a table in a non-existent wait area. We basically stood there, staring down other peoples meals and any empty seats. Try doing that for a half hour/40 mins straight. Talk about awkward. At least the food was delicious... I ordered a salmon Eggs Benedict- hollandaise, lightly tossed green salad on an english muffin. Friend's Chicken pot pie- delicious and brings back memories of home. Sirloin burger- PERFECT medium on brioche bun with fries. I wished to have a bit more attention with service, a refill with water and coffee would have been delightful :(. Part of me understands that good food establishments are in high demand so a wait is typical. The meaner side of me demands that delicious foods should be offered with impeccable service and wait times. So.. I don't know. I really enjoyed the food. It was filling, tasty and made me want to order one of everything on the menu, but c'mon... the awkward, hovering wait experience wasn't pleasant. Sarabeth's, I like you. Would you be able to work on this issue? I'd love to come back for more, perhaps a brunch with an assortment of your freshly baked bread or prixefix menu items. Pretty please?
(4)Caroline W.
Food was mediocre at best. Wait was not bad for two people on a Sunday, around 2pm. The place itself was nice and the brunch cocktails were good, but the food was only OK. We ordered the Eggs Benedict with Salmon and the Goldie Lox.
(2)Ms G.
I had a terrible experience at Sarabeth CPS and heard that this one is better. Well, I did get more berries (which were actually ripe) with my lemon ricotta pancakes, so that's a plus. But, seriously, this place had nothing much redeeming. Goat cheese spinach omelet was bland and rubbery. Mediocre brunch for two at $50+ in a packed, noisy place with uncomfortable seats? Naw. I like their preserve, so next time, I'll skip the restaurant and get it at Fairway. Lastly, their servers were SUPER pushy about getting coffee or tea and do not take "no, thank you" for an answer. One practically forced me to choose btwn regular and decaf coffee. Although I didn't want caffeine as I already had some, I'm a push-over and got decaf. I finished less than 1/2 of and paid $4 for it.
(2)Elizabeth J.
Came here over the weekend with a friend and it was well worth the (30 minute) wait. I would say home cooking, but sorry mama doesn't cook breakfast like this. Nor would she pay $15 for some eggs. With that said the food overall was bomb! You can tell everything is made fresh and with love. Red Omelet: Always after some spice, this omelet was not to disappoint (even added some hot sauce to top it off) . Came w/a pumpkin muffin!! Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes: I hate pancakes, and these made me have order envy! They were super fluffy and delicious Cheese Blintzes w/sour cream and apple butter for dessert = heaven. A little bubblie, a little OJ -set for a day of success. I would recommend making a reservation. Worth the wait, but who likes waiting.....
(4)Katherine E.
The hostess was the rudest person I have ever encountered on the upper west side. I cannot review the food because I wouldn't eat at a restaurant that is so inhospitable!
(1)foodfoodfood f.
Love Sarabeth's... She did my wedding cake. And I regularly crave the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and cream cheese, delish. Today the banana muffin was inexplicably dry, but I'm sure it was an anomaly...
(4)Kaylie N.
I haven't been here in a while and decided to order out on Seamless for breakfast from them. Got the buttermilk pancakes. They were flat and tasteless, and for sixteen dollars, I expected much, much better. Won't be ordering out from here again, but willing to go to the restaurant and try one more time.
(2)Alison L.
Brunch is my favorite meal in NYC, and I've been dying to try Sarabeth's ever since I've moved here. We got the pancakes with strawberries and bananas, and the salmon eggs benedict. The pancakes were decent, though not as fluffy as I prefer them. The salmon eggs benny was good too, although it didn't come with baked goods that the other egg dishes come with. Boo. for 18 dollars, I feel like throwing in a muffin wouldn't be that hard, would it? The staff was super nice, so I don't count anything against them, but I'd leave Sarabeth's to the Japanese tourists.
(2)Greg R.
No bells and whistles, just the best New-England style comfort food you can get in the city. The clientele can be old but then again, one of the best parts of Sarabeth's is feeling like your grandma prepared the meal. Highlights include a world-famous brunch (can be crowded and reservations are a must), molten mac'n'cheese with bacon, the seasonal fruit crumble and an incredibly reasonable prix-fixe, 3-course lobster dinner. Prices are reasonable and service is great. For my anniversary dinner, they went out of their way with fancier place setting and offered a complimentary bottle. Simply, one of my NYC staples.
(5)Lauren L.
I dined at Sarabeth's last night and can't stop thinking about it! I came here somewhat on whim too and I'm thrilled that I chose Sarabeths as my eating destination. My friend and I wanted to meet for dinner and he was coming up from uptown so this was the middle. I quickly did some leg work to find a spot on the UWS and through playing around on Yelp, it lead to Sarabeths. I made a reservation for 6:30 and couldn't wait! I had arrived a few minutes late, but on a Wednesday night they weren't too busy. It's a very quant eatery. You walk in and you first get the feel of a bakery but as you look towards the back it has more of restaurant feel to it. My friend and I were seated at a booth that was tucked away in the corner which was just perfect. Our waitress, Steph, came over and got us started with a bottle of wine. We had a Riesling that had just come in and was new to the menu, Steph highly recommended it, and while I'm no big wine-O it was fruity and delicious. They then brought out some complimentary bread that was fresh out of the oven. The ones with the raisins was my favorite. When it came time to order, I knew what I wanted but I had to make sure I was getting the right thing! So I asked Steph how the scallops were and she didn't have anything bad to say. What really sold me was the polenta pumpkin cake that came with the entree. I had the Grilled Maine Diver Sea Scallops pumpkin polenta cake, mini micro greens, sage brown butter sauce. I know this is going to be a seasonal item but I want it to stay on their menu forever. In fact, I would just like to have the polenta as an entree entree. It wasn't your typical polenta either, not creamy or really firm, they met in the middle. The polenta was surrounded by 4 big scallops that were drizzled in some of the best sage brown butter sauce I've ever had. The polenta with a little butter sauce was really the icing on the cake though, the pumpkin spice flavor was accented very nicely. The scallops were perpared perfectly and topped nicely with some fresh veggies. I'll be back to have this dish again before it's off the menu ... and that's saying alot because I don't usually hit restaurants twice! My friend had the Pan-Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast roasted garlic mash, haricot verts, chicken ajus. But instead of garlic mash he opted for spinach. He was ranting and raving over the spinach and they gave a really nice amount of it. The chicken was a nice sized piece and was gone in the matter of minutes so I assume it was good!! After our meal, we just had to have dessert, and because I'm all things pumpkin right now we ordered the ... wait for it ... pumpkin tart!! A beautiful little round tart was brought to our table topped with whipped cream and pumpkin seeds. I'm not sure which dish made my taste buds dance more when it came to the pumpkin flavoring. The tart was delightful and just enough to satisfy ones sweet tooth. I will say though, the presentation of all the other dishes were shown some love but the dessert dish wasn't ... I would have enjoyed if the pumpkin tart dish got some decorative love even it was just sprinkling some cinnamon on the plate so it didn't look so sad and lonely! And to round out the meal, we ordered another bottle of wine! One thing I really liked about Steph, she had a heavy hand so when she poured that wine, she didn't hold back! She was very attentive and more than helpful with the menu. It was just a relaxing dinner and the food was just outstanding. It appears as if they may be more of a brunch spot, which I will have to try but the dinner was a stand out for me!
(5)Liz J.
Came here for dinner with my parents and my grandparents and it was perfect for them. This restaurant is like an upscale version of your grandmother's home. Perfect for an older crowd/people who are picky eaters. We started with chips and guacamole, which turned out to be potato chips stuck into guacamole. The potato chips were very large and crunchy and really impressed the table. Personally, I was kind of grossed out by the combination. We also had the tomato soup (which they are known for) was delicious, creamy, and had large chunks of tomato - A+ For dinner, I had the filet mignon which was classically good, but free of any spices. It was presented really well. One member of my party had the lobster prix fixe and it was amazing! The lobster was stuffed with crab meat, perfectly cooked, and they even had completely cracked the lobster so you just had to pull it out of the shell. It was amazing! I kind of regretted not getting it! The other members of my family gave high ratings to the chicken pot pie (which looked awesome when it was brought out--there was an impressive puff pastry over the top!), the shrimp risotto, and the rigatoni. For dessert we all sampled some of the pecan pie and it smelled like Thanksgiving. Our waitress was super friendly as well. This is the perfect place to take people who want nice American food. One negative for those traveling with seniors, the bathrooms are below the restaurant down a flight of stairs. Luckily it wasn't a necessary, otherwise I'm not sure my elderly grandparents would have made it.
(4)phil h.
A few weeks before my most recent trip to New York I received a nice email from the manager at Sarabeth's West, asking me to give them another shot. Since it's literally across the street from my friend's apartment we decided to do so on Sunday. What a difference a few months make! Our brunch this time around was fantastic - my lemon ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy and not too sweet. And my side of bacon was crunchy and plentiful, two of my favorite things when it comes to bacon! I'm glad I gave Sarabeth's West another shot and will definitely be dropping back by next time I'm in town.
(4)Sarah G.
I chose Sarabeth's for Thanksgiving Dinner. We had never been. We have always done a very traditional home-cooked dinner, but this year we were returning from Europe on Thanksgiving Day. We arrived earlier than our reservation time and were seated within five minutes. I had the butternut-squash soup, traditional turkey dinner, and pecan pie. All of the food was superb. Better than home-cooked flavor, but not beyond the "traditional" style. Only the pecan pie was not as good as home cooked-- a little gooier than I like it. My daughter had crabcake, filet mignon and pumpkin pie-- and also gave the food high marks. The service was great. The restaurant was packed and there were lines out the door so the noise level was a little high but really well within what we expected. We are going back this weekend to check out their regular menu.
(5)NYCNYC l.
I am normally a huge fan of Sara Beths, but not this location. We just finished dinner and the food was terrible, when we arrived no one was even waiting to seat us, and Anthony Bourdain says that you can tell if a restaurant is clean based on their bathroom- well, this bathroom wasnt clean and before using it a staff member used it and I dont think they even washed their hands.. Overall, truly disappointed.. the waitress was lovely and attentive, so the service was OK, but food was really disappointing. Perhaps best to stick to this place only for brunch and also the Park Ave South location, which never disappoints.
(2)Danielle D.
My husband and I went here on the recommendation. One look at the menu prices were a turn off, but I had to consider the neighborhood. Coffee was hot and mild and service was very attentive. The buttermilk pancakes were neither buttery or milky, but rather flat and bland. The apple sausage was a bit dry, a casualty of being cooked too long. The basic sunny side eggs w/toast ($9?!) was ok and a side of bacon will run you $4. All total $47 for 2, plus the tip. You're clealy playing for their rent and to say that you've been to Sarabeth's. Save your $$ for dinner and go to a diner for breakfast.
(2)Joanna N.
I had brunch here on my last day in NY - we had reservations @ 8:30 am on a Sunday, so there was no wait! =) This is home cooking style, but with very fresh ingredients. Their "three bears style" hot porridge is too cute!!! I had the Farmer's Omelette (w/ leeks, bacon, chunks of potato, & gruyere cheese), a banana muffin w/ preserves, and a four flowers juice (blend of orange, fresh pineapple, banana & pomegranate). The hubs had the morning crunch. Highlights: -the morning crunch is super filling! (& be careful with the honey - it makes it VERY sweet!) -the banana muffin w/ preserves was AUH-MAZING! -4 flowers juice - delicious! All-in-all Sarabeth's was a great way to end my NYC trip!
(4)Will V.
Well... my gender prohibits me from being among the "ladies who lunch" crowd, but Sarabeth's makes me want to be an honorary member. A strong bet for breakfast or brunch with visiting family or for business, Sarabeth's - I go to both the Central Park South and UWS locations - has winning service, flavors, and portions. My pick? Lemon ricotta pancakes, a side of the chicken apple sausage, and the special multi-fruit juice (make it a mimosa if it's not a work breakfast). Whatever you choose, you can't really go wrong, it's a brunch standby for those not seeking the AYCD experience.
(4)Sonja K.
Delicious brunch! Pros: Window seating, prompt wait-staff, friendly waiters. I had the frittata with peppers, bacon, scallions, and cheese. It was delish! My friend had the lox with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and cream cheese. She said it was really good. Cons: There was a bit of wait for the food. Luckily I was there with a friend to pass the time. I'll definitely go back!
(4)Mark L.
Great brunch. Got a nice seat outside. The lemon ricotta pancakes are killer. Not too sweet, just right. And the crab cake eggs benedict is awesome. Bloodies are really good but could use more stuff in them (olives, pickles, pickled string beans - come on, something!) I'd go back.
(4)Denise D.
Oh, this breakfast was heavenly! Those lemon ricotta pancakes are honestly the best pancakes I have ever had. They are sweet, but not overwhelming. They are pure perfection. Seriously, they are what dreams are made of. I also ordered a pomegranate bellini (not sure if that is the name, but it was a berry bellini), and they give you it in your glass, as well as give you a mini carafe with extra pomegranate/berry juice, and what's left of a champagne split. It is a bit pricey ($12-14), but it is like getting two drinks in one, so it's not a bad deal. As for the ambiance, it was nice, warm, and homey feeling. They have outdoor seating, which is a great place to sit on warm summer mornings. Our server was good with checking on us, and was very friendly. Overall, it was a really delightful Saturday morning brunch.
(5)Grace L.
This is a review for brunch dated July 1st, 2012. Outdoor temperatures were in the lower to mid 90's and it was high noon. I had heard some pretty good things about Sarabeth's so I decided to brave the heat and the small crowd gathered outside the restaurant to give their brunch menu a try. The truth is, I'm on a July - September tour of brunch reviews, and I didn't plan Sarabeth's to be my first stop, but here I was walking through the sea of hungry and excited patrons to the hostess inside. A smiling yet undeniably harried blond hostess greeted me and told me the wait for a solo table outside would take about 20 minutes. I did a quick observation of the inside dining area and it was packed with sterile and happy upper westsiders. Maybe a tourist or two, but the crowd was your typical frizzy haired upper west side mom-baby-husband-angsty teen girl grouping. They sell take aways like granola and little tid bits inside, but I didn't pay attention. As I stood outside in the sun, a larger crowd was gathering and congesting the sidewalk, and disgruntled moms and dads with their baby carriages were trying to push through with annoyed looks on their faces. Their grumbling would immediately change to wistful smiles upon seeing that the crowd was waiting for Sarabeth's, quietly gushing with their "woo Sarabeth", "Oh Sarabeth~" "Yes I love this place"s. 20 minutes turned to 40 minutes and when I saw the harried frizzy hostess seating a preppy haughty young couple that had just walked in, at a little table I had been eyeing for five minutes, I expressed my dissent but she sharply said, "they were here before you." Poor line management, check. Lying, check. Already I had a feeling that this might go down in my memory as just another overrated nyc brunch eatery. Another hostess, just as harried and frizzy as the first one but with darker hair, seated me after 42 minutes of baking like a potato in the sun. I took a quick glance of the menu and found that they have five varieties of omelettes (red omelette, garden omelette, farmers, spinach and goat cheese, and cheese omelete which is either white cheddar or gruyere). The red omelette is a chunky red pepper and tomato sauce and cheddar omelette which sounds like a heart burn on a pretty plate. I ordered the FOUR FLOWER JUICE which is a concoction of OJ+Pineapple+Banana+Pomegranate and it is a very refreshing pick-me-up and a great start to perking up your taste buds and prepping your system for the indulgent brunch entree. I wanted to review their crab cake benedict, but as they were out of Crab Cake *how dare they) I ordered the CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT. While waiting I sipped a J. ROGET MIMOSA, DId it taste like a $12 mimosa? I wouldn't say so. By this time I still didn't receive water at my table, and I was too heat-exhausted and tired to muster a yelp to get the waitress' attention. Mediocre Front of House Service? Check. The CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT arrived within ten minutes, and my first thought was, this is an akward and ugly looking benedict. The bread-to-benedict ratio is way too high and the ovewhelming brioche couldn't somehow support the ham and the non-yokey poached egg, and it screamed a serious lack of structural integrity. I didn't see the yoke until about 75% into my first egg and I coudn't help but exclaim, "there it is!" The bread is soft but t's puffy and its a very fat and a sad looking sort and tough to swallow dish. A little over halfway through my second benedict, which was a litle easier to manage but again, lacking in the yokey yokeness, I understood that the purpose and utilitarian feature of the big puffy bread is to help you sop up the yoke and egg left over on the plate. Hmm... I get it, but I won't be coming back here to order the CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT again. The first cut into the benedict is a true test of your strength and finesse because the edge of the bread is a bit tough, and one wrong move and you'll collapse the haphazard stacking of the mediocre ham and non-yokey egg. Despite my inner complaints, I scraped the plate (I needed to get moneys worth). Wanting to treat myself for successfully maneuvering my way through the most difficult eggs benedict and the scorching heat, I asked to see the dessert menu. Long story short, I took the waitresses recomendation which was the WARM RASPBERRY BREAD PUDDING. . The bread pudding was almost flan like but undeniably dreamy. The creamy bed upon which it rested was a song and dance in my mouth and the chunks of raspberry in the breadpudding had my taste buds skipping. would I call it stellar? No. it's missing a certain je ne sais quois. Sarabeth's was a citybest in 2006 and 2007, which was obviously a long time ago. Sorry Sarabeth. I Just wouldn't call it "love".
(3)Bryan C.
Brunch at Sarabeth's is everything brunch should be. All of the food is comforting and delicious, yet the flavors are complex and each dish is executed perfectly. After going the first time and ordering the lemon ricotta pancakes and the eggs benedict, we were not able to get the amazing memory out of our heads and had to go back two weeks later. The home made english muffin atop which the eggs benedict rest is a culinary triumph, and once having had it, makes it virtually impossible to enjoy any other take on the muffin. The lemon ricotta pancakes are everything the other reviewers have said - delicate, light, fluffy, with subtle tones of flavor from the lemon and ricotta. In another word - genius. That said, we were less impressed with the jams and bread basket. Perhaps we just got a bad bunch, but we were expecting them to be warm and fluffy, and they were not. They felt like they were taken out of a pasty case. And the jams while tasty, weren't that much further apart from what you'd get out of a jar of Smuckers. So, I question whether the price tag on that appetizer is warranted. Overall though, we've been back once since our first visit and will likely go back again, especially since the english muffin is haunting our dreams.
(4)Alice W.
If you're coming here for brunch, prepare for a wait. So I decided to get takeout instead. Decor: very cute inside! Apple cinnamon french toast: I really don't understand why everyone recommends the french toast. It was a little dry and I could not taste the "apple cinnamon" at all. Overall, not impressed. and I'm glad I didn't have to wait in that line.
(2)Jason F.
The only reason aside from it's beauty. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Fire your cardiologist.
(5)E M.
Brunch spot recommendation of Serena and Blair. Prices are kind of redic; $14 for an egg/cheese omelet? $7 side of bacon? Have to add though that the preserves are a must try.
(3)Vanessa M.
It's no longer what it used to be. People are still queuing though, and b wonder why. I ordered a cheese and spinach omelette. It was overcooked, and the only thing that saved it from being too dry was the cheese filling. It was served as is, with no greens. The only thing you get is a scone, which was certainly not made of the day: too dry. I ordered a pumpkin cocktail which was nice. The boys had bloody Marys, which were huge but tasted super spicy. It looks more like a soup, actually. And indeed, Sarabeth offers as an option to add shrimps in it (no kidding). My husband had a tuna sandwich, which he said was very common and overpriced. At least his greens were good, and the dressing perfectly tangy. For 1 sandwich, 1 omelette, 1 frittata and 3 drinks, it cost us almost $100. And regarding service, we were very surprised that the food came in 5 minutes before the drinks. Not the best to help you wait.
(1)Diana B.
Still pleasant, with good service., A bit pricey for what you get.
(4)Bill S.
This place just screams the Upper West Side. Its cute and all the mommies come here to chat over their expensive salads about their kids pre-schools. Its all good, but for lent I'll be having no meat. So I'm here for the lobster roll. I'll just sit by myself and quietly wait. So out it comes, boom! Brother can you spare another lobster? The sandwich was good but the lobster, fresh but wasn't overflowing. Fresh potato chips and cole slaw, mmmm mm! This is a nice mommy/brunch wifee place. If you're looking to suck down a few beers in a place with yellow walls, look elsewhere. If your still here? You might want to look into a low T pill...
(4)Timothy C.
Have been here for brunch a couple of times now, but I always end up questioning why I end up at Sarabeth's. It's nothing spectacular here and the prices are high for what you get. I've had the omelettes, egg benedict, and waffles and nothing has stood out to me as something worth trying. It is easy to get a table here though, and the waits are not as bad as one would expect. The service is decent enough.
(3)Fay R.
Made a reservation for New Years Eve to enjoy the live music. Was VERY disappointed as we were stuck so far from the music that you could barely hear it. Also the music was supposed to start half an hour after we arrived, but instead it started an hour later. It was not worth the price. There are so many festive places for New Years. This was not one of them.
(2)Melanie F.
Horrible OVERpriced food & terrible decor. Looks like the inside of an outdated country club.
(1)Lili K.
40 minute wait on a Sunday afternoon. I had the Red Omelet, which was fluffy with some light sour cream on top, but it needed more substance to it. For $15, it was pretty pricey. It came with a muffin of choice (I chose the berry corn), with some light butter and strawberry jam. All pretty nice, but without the wow factor. Nothing spectacular about the service, either. The place has some light blue walls, with some cabinets, coat hooks, etc to make the restaurant look like you're dining at someone's home.
(3)Gigi S.
Four stars for their food and service. I had the eggs benedict which were absolutely delish. Their buttermilk pancakes were ok and the popeye eggs were ok. I do love thier homemade biscuits and like the fact their their mimosas are actually enough for two drinks. Now lets talk about their prices and waiting time for a table. We were told we would have to wait at least 20 minutes for a table for two, which is understandable on a Sunday at 1pm in May when its warm out. 45 minutes later, right before my head hit the pavement, we were called in. As far as their prices go, I understand its Manhattan, Amsterdam no less, but $18 for eggs benedict and $16 for plain buttermilk pancakes? Wait, what?
(4)Brandon B.
I just had the most bland, average, eggs Benedict I have ever tried and it coast me $17.50. My salad was also warm. This simply should my stand. Especially with all the great lunch specials in the area. I am usually not cheep. But I know how things should be priced. And I know a good brunch meal when I try one. Please do not come here. And do not give them your money.
(2)Yiwen S.
i was gonna rave about the hostess and how amazing i thought she was. two friends and i came here at 12:30 on a sunday afternoon and we were told the wait would be about 45 minutes. and sure enough, 46 minutes later, we were called to be seated. i was gonna say that this hostess is freakin badass about estimating the wait time, but then i read some of the other reviews and it appears the general wait time for brunch is 45 minutes. so, no longer as impressive. but kudos to the restaurant for maintaining consistent turnover time. cute joint on the inside. very spacious with plenty of tables throughout and even comfy booths lining the walls in the back half of the restaurant - just goes to show how popular this place usually is. warmly decorated.. love the pastel tones here. the french toast i ordered ranks pretty high up there on my list (and trust me, i've tried my share of french toasts before... and then some). i love brunch places that either serve french toast with powdered sugar or with fresh fruit. and this place had both! amazing and delicious. not in the least bit dry or over-toasted. it was so FLUFFYYYYY i'm gonna die. service was top-notch. couldn't ask for a friendlier waiter (easy on the eyes too).
(4)Margaret T.
Was here over the summer for brunch with 5 other friends. It was pretty crowded when we first arrived but we only ended up waiting about 20 minutes to be seated. Once we were seated, we immediately got a round of drinks. The Bloody Marys came in these cute little mini-pitchers and were 4 stars -- pretty good but not mindblowing (not spicy enough and too sour). I ordered the lox scramble and that was pretty tasty. I thought this place was ok. Nothing special but a little on the pricey side. I was expecting a little bit more since this was supposed to be "the place" according to the chef in our party.
(3)Kurt B.
Oddly enough I did NOT have brunch here. I actually popped in for an early Sunday dinner on a whim. I'll give 4 stars for the service as our server was just a pleasant person. She was on the ball even though she was working a double. The food was good and for the prices charged I thought it was a decent value. I had the jumbo shrimp risotto which was good....could have used a tad more seasoning. The wife had the salmon which was cooked the way she ordered it but could have used a bit more seasoning too. Very reasonably priced wine list as well. All in all I would go back for what I consider to be an inexpensively priced meal with good service in a comfortable place.
(3)Sarah G.
I've been here twice now, and can certainly say I'm a fan. Yes, the lines are long. Yes, the food is delicious. That's what you get for having a successful restaurant chain. My first time, I had a egg white omelette that was perfectly fluffy and tasty. That can sometimes be difficult without the yolk, but these guys know what they're doing. Second time around I tried the granola and it was grand. Made me feel semi-healthy, even though the portion was pretty huge. The one thing that can be iffy is the service. They're busy, but they're doing their best. In the midst of insanity, however, a few mistakes are made (coffee choice, friend's order was confused) and that is always annoying. But they don't seem to care, as the line is going to be long no matter what.
(4)Becky M.
Decent brunch but not worth the half hour wait. The tables are cramped and the service is slow. I have definitely had a much better brunch elsewhere. For two people (No alcohol) it was $78.00! I thought that was kinda pricey for eggs benedict served with a bland side salad that had no dressing. The eggs benedict was good, but yeah I agree that this place is a tad overrated. I would not label this as the best brunch in the UWS and yet, it is labeled as that when doing a Google search. (Scratching chin) hmmmmmm.
(2)Reshena L.
Good but not great, just an average brunch experience. Definitely make reservations (at least for brunch) -- there was a line out the door when we came but we were seated pretty quickly having made reservations a couple days in advance. It has a pretty home-y, family friendly feel, so it was a prime spot for the hordes of post-Thanksgiving family gatherings. We got the Eggs Benedict (comes w/ salad) and the Buttermilk Pancakes (comes w/ strawberries and bananas), both of which were pretty enjoyable, although now I'm looking at all the reviews and regretting not getting the lemon ricotta pancakes. Seems like that's the better choice, but you still can't go wrong with the classic buttermilk. The strawberries were also some of the best strawberries I'd had in awhile. Service was extremely nice and efficient, but not to the point that we felt rushed, so I'll give them points for that considering they were dealing with a pretty high volume. Overall everything was pretty good, but considering all the hype and the fairly high prices, I wasn't too impressed. I don't regret going, but I probably wouldn't go again -- there are better brunch places in the city.
(3)Samantha S.
Best summed up as a place for Ladies Who Brunch. Many thanks to Yelpers who steered me toward Lemon Ricotta Pancakes--light, mid-sized, and especially wonderful with chicken sausage. Be sure to try the perfect applesauce underneath. (My best friend announced that she dreams about these sausages and then begged me not to put that in my Yelp review. Sorry, sweetie.) Being a generous soul, she shared her Goldie Lox with me--not the highest quality lox, but lots of flavor and contrast with the cream cheese cooked into the eggs. The muffins are ok, not outstanding. The jam is brilliant. Coffee is fine, and service is always sweet. We usually eat lunch here, so I can also vouch for the tomato soup and sandwiches. I wouldn't go further off the path than that, though.
(4)Jamie K.
A bit pricey for breakfast/brunch, but a great place to go for something better than a diner breakfast. Enjoyed the frittata and potato waffles that we ordered. The coffee was good too. The service wasn't particularly good or bad. Would definitely come again!
(4)Michael G.
We went here for a family dinner after a recommendation from my brothers coworker, and I was not impressed. The staff was nice but could have been a little more attentive. I had the shrimp risotto which was mediocre. The shrimp was cooked well but was largely unseasoned. The pancetta and peas added nice flavor to the dish but was not enough to pick up the dish. I understand risotto is a hard dish, but my risotto at home on first try came close to this. If you're going to serve it make it well. Also the dish was lukewarm, but I was too hungry to send it back. The gf had a seafood salad which looked nice but I won't judge a restaurant off a salad. Also the seafood in it didn't seem very fresh like I expect just ok. The others in our party who all ordered steak seemed to enjoy their entrees. I tried my brothers rack of lamb which was pretty good. A few people had that steak frites and said it was pretty good but at that price tag we all agreed we would much rather go to les Halle's where the steak frites is awesome! I know this place has a good reputation for brunch so I won't squash it completely but next time I need a dinner spot in the yea it won't be here.
(2)sairah r.
What terrible service! I had lunch there today and actually had to get up and walk in to finish my meal off. Asked to talk to manager and that was too slow!
(1)Rich B.
Reservation times are tough. Need to come back to give it more stars.
(3)Ryan M.
Okay look. Be warned. If you come here for weekend brunch you are going to wait for a table. If you are the kind of person intent on knocking a star of the review because you had to wait 30-45 minutes for your table, then you probably should skip this place all together. If you want a damn good brunch with great menu offerings (Pumpkin Waffle with Sour Cream, Ricotta Lemon Pancakes, Almond crusted French Toast, fantastic eggs), amazing baked goods selections, personal pitchers of iced coffee, and middle of the road prices that don't break your wallet, then saddle up. Is this going to be the bestest brunch ever after your wait? No. But it's really good and people knocking this place because they really hate to wait (but did anyway) is misguided.
(4)Randy S.
Pumpkin waffles with the sour cream are my favorite. Not worth waiting in line on a busy Sunday brunch day, but if you have time to go during the week, when its less crowded, definitely worth the stop!
(4)Jackee K.
"Um, is the eggs benedict supposed to come with a salad?" Yes, it is. I don't understand why they felt the need to give me a salad, but the eggs were good. Except the second day I went to have the eggs benedict my poached eggs were way too runny. Gross.
(3)Matthew H.
Sarabeth's is known for their jellies/jams (see photo by Nicole F). They are sold in your finer supermarkets (Fairway, etc.). I am not a jam fiend, but what I tasted was good. And one of my dining companions was almost ready to lick the strawberry jam out of it's serving container. We arrived on the early side (9:30) and had a brief wait (they take reservations, but they didn't have anything after 8:30). Once seated, our server checked on us and our coffee several times. As we left, the wait was at least 45 minutes, with people and strollers littering the sidewalk outside. Being a fan of menu specials, when the waitress said, "crabcakes benedict", I was sold. The eggs were poached to perfection and the crabcakes had a nice serving of actual meat. Alongside this was a great salad. Sarabeth's has definitely joined the list for good brunch places on the UPWS, I'll be back.
(4)Jelly B.
Anyone who knows me would know I absolutely LOVE, LOVE brunch, and I just HAD to try this place. I just finished the Scotland 10K in the nearby Central Park this morning, and I was hungry for some good grub. My friend highly recommended this place, and we decided to let me try it for the first time. They told us it would be twenty minutes wait, and we decided to stay (obviously). Within 5 minutes, opposed to their estimation of 20, we were seated, by their windows. For those who enjoy the view of upper west side NYC scenery, there are seatings outside as well. But today was cold - about 35 degrees; I wanted to stay indoors. They started us with coffees, as I looked at their menu. I read on many reviews to try their French Toast and Pancakes, but I am not a big fan of sweet breakfast, so I chose their Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. And I am so glad I did. It was an absolute gorgeous sight to see, two poached eggs sitting on top of English muffins and soaked in hollandaise sauce. There is also a small garden salad on the side. I almost couldn't eat it because it was just too beautiful to touch, but I devoured that thing in seconds. YUM, YUM. My friend ordered their Fat and Fluffy French Toast, which was amazing as well. It comes with three slices of French Toast, sprinkled with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries and bananas. And on the side, maple syrup and butter. He also ordered a side of Pork and Apricot Breakfast Sausage (for $8 though ..). The sausages were nothing special, but that apricot marmalade .. DELICIOUS. Our bill came out to be about $60+, tips and tax included. I am used to cheap and good eats, but I still did not mind paying for the quality grub I had eaten. Though I have to say .. you would not find coffee on their menu, and they make you feel like the coffee is free because they pour it for you with their prepared cups in front of you. ($4 for a cup of regular black joe, hmm ..) Overall, I had a great experience here, and I would definitely come back here to try some of their other dishes.
(5)Jarrod R.
I came here with my daughter to meet my brother back from Afghanistan on R&R and a family friend. I was in town to doing a tour of NYU with my daughter. This was my first time eating here. The atmosphere was the quaint and cozy like so many places in NY. The waitress was sweet young lady and seemed new. Always had a smile on her face and was delightful. I started off with a half bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, it was not back and not overly oaky. I reviewed the menu and was interested in multiple dinner dishes. I decided on the Sauteed Floridian Red Snapper served over a saffron-jasmine rice pilaf with mango salsa. The snapper was done perfectly and was flaky and moist. There was no fishy taste what so ever and just melted into my taste buds. Jasmine rice was seasoned and tasty. The contrasting mango salsa complimented the fish in the rice. The diced red onion in the salsa added a slight offset to the sweetness of the mango. Being so tasty on the first bites I had to share with everyone. We were instantly all sharing are meals with each other. My brother order the Roasted Lamb Shank and it was tender and had a savory flavor from the port sauce. My daughter order a burger, done medium well with some fries. The burger was moist and juicy with the nice grilled flavor. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft inside. Our family friend order the Flat Iron Frites special and the meat was tender and flavorful. The green peppercorn sauce on the frites was okay but seemed just average... not up to how all the other dishes tasted. I would definitely recommend this place to others. I look forward to going again with my daughter attending NYU in the fall. Happy Eating y'all!
(5)Monique R.
Still good. After moving from NYC 11 years ago, I was happy to see my old favorite still going strong and was excited to share the experience with my family and friends. The food was delicious, however the service was lacking. An awful lot of un-attentive bodies floating around the place. Sarabeth's could probably cut their prices considerably by eliminating the "deadwood" and keeping the worthy staff. All in all, a nice meal, with great food, but a less-than-rosy-glow for the price.
(3)Sarah H.
Solid breakfast. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes. Good. $15 good? Probably not. I'd come back here again if I were in the mood for some fancy brunching, but I certainly wouldn't wait for more than 15 minutes, and I probably won't be a regular.
(3)Nicole C.
First found Sarabeth's in Key West, FL last year and fell in love with the tomato soup. First time to Sarabeth's in NY's UWS and the soup, food and service was just as great as we had in Key West. Two of our party had the Prix Fixe lobster dish and I don't think either of them said a word once they started to eat...I had the Prix Fixe with the chicken breast and Our other party member had the steak frites. Such a great meal for the price...especially in NY. A definite place we will all return to. So glad we found it.
(4)Michael T.
Great brunch spot! A little expensive. The hundreds of reviews will confirm this. However, it was a sauna the day I was there for a Sunday brunch, there was a screaming baby at the next table, and I witnessed the hostess almost pick a fight with a customer who she thought was stealing a table - the customer was just saying hello to some friends.
(4)Joanne L.
This place is way over-hyped. We came for breakfast on a weekday so there was no wait. They serve breakfast until 3:30, which is awesome, since most places don't on weekdays. My boyfriend and I each ordered coffee and we both agree that the coffee tasted burnt...apparently that's just the type of bean they use...not a fan. I ordered the buttermilk pancakes and my boyfriend ordered the farmer's omelette with a berry-corn muffin. The pancakes were alright-light and airy, but nothing special. The omelette was pretty good-very fluffy. The muffin was not as good as I expected, especially since they are known for their muffins and pastries. The service was a bit slow, considering the restaurant was half empty. Overall, this place was nothing special.
(3)Lily B.
Hit or miss... Some times the service and noise is horrible. I know they don't have a gluten free menu but I've checked with chef and gotten 3 entrees - shrimp risotto, lamb and chicken. Ive gotten minor gluten poisoned each time. Very disappointing. It is worth it for brunch though. Worth a check out. Wish they would be more consistent with wait staff and accommodating food allergies.
(3)Stef S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. The wait for a table for two wasn't that bad. The farmer's omelette and the lemon ricotta pancakes were delicious! Portions are filling but not huge. The strawberry mimosa that I ordered (can't remember what it was called) was the best part of my meal, to be honest. On the expensive side of brunch but totally worth the trip.
(4)Nicole S.
OK so here goes my first Yelp review!!! Perhaps 5 stars is a bit exaggerate but I'm a big fan of customer service and everyone at Sarabeths was amazing yesterday. My friend and I had a 3pm reservation but she didn't show up until 3:45 (thanks a lot weekend MTA). The hostess was really nice about it and around 3:30 informed me that since brunch was ending at 4pm she would seat me so at the least part of our order could go in. The waitress was attentive, made suggestions and checked on us a few times. The food was Great! The muffin basket was pretty good, I've definitely had better muffins but the homemade jam more then compensated. The four flowers juice is AMAZING!!! I'm usually not a fan of juice with banana in it but a friend gave me a recommendation so I went for it, and I'm so happy I did. In an attempt to not consume a weeks worth of sugar I passed on the ricotta lemon pancakes and went with the farmers omelette, substituting spinach for the leeks and egg whites. It was delicious, perfect amount of cheese and fillings, although a bit thicker than I prefer but still really good. Having already ordered the muffin basket, we skipped the toast and had a mixed green salad. I think the salad really sealed the deal for me, it complimented the eggs perfectly. Another reason I enjoyed Sarabeths was the fact that we weren't rushed or given attitude for staying an extra hour and a half after finishing our meal. Of course I understand that it was after the brunch rush and it would have been a different story at 12:30. However, I've been to plenty of places that give you attitude if you stay too long when the place is empty. Great food and amazing customer service is worth 5 stars in my book. Yes this is probably one of the more expensive brunches I've paid for but, you get what you pay for and I was more than satisfied with this splurge.
(5)Linda B.
Ok food, terrible service. I got curdled cream for my coffee, then the waiter screwed up our order and only brought one of our two breakfasts! Also didn't ask us for our choice of bread and simply brought toast, rather than letting us pick a yummy muffin or scone. Kids' portions are very tiny-- we had to feed our average appetite children half of our food after they finished all of theirs. The food we got was good, but disappointing experience with too many mishaps.
(2)Yariv S.
Lets get the first thing out of the way..the 4 flower mimosa definitely saved the day. Probably the best mimosa I have ever had in my life. Otherwise, 30 minute wait to sit, food took about an hour and 15 minutes to arrive at table (after an apology of a kitchen "mix-up"), they did bring complimentary muffins while we waited for our food which was nice. The muffins were quite tasty. When food arrived I was disappointed to see that my eggs were cold. However the manager was very friendly and made sure I got a new order right away and did comp my plate. My girlfriends almond french toast was very good. All in all the experience as a whole was rather disappointing, and was quite expensive even with the free eggs. Next time I will be more patient and wait in line for "good enough to eat" up the block.
(3)Shirley N.
Came for breakfast on a weekday the other day while vacationing in the Big Apple. Able to walk right in and secure a table for two. Per AAA review in my tour book both the pumpkin waffles and the Popeye Eggs were good choices so of course we ordered those two including a basket of muffins. Pumpkin waffles - hubby gave it a 5. Basket of fresh muffins - we both gave a 5. Came with various muffins and a very buttery croissant. And the famous jam/jelly. Popeye Eggs - very disappointing. Between 1-2 stars. I almost wanted to send it back. A big slab of dense scrambled eggs or more like an omelet across 2 English muffins with a thin slice of ham across both and spinach on the side. This was no way what I saw in a magazine article posted on the wall down in the basement. If you order the Popeye Eggs, I would ask for sunny side up or poached llike Eggs Benedict. Or order something else. Fortunately we started with the basket of muffins so my dining experience was saved. And took two in a doggie bag and ate later. Still yummy. And jam included!
(3)Stephanie H.
A little too overpriced for such average food. The wait on the weekends are also pretty bad. I got their grilled cheese and soup and it was nothing special. The food also took a long time to come out. The brunch menu is also okay but I would gather go to another place for amazing food than go back here.
(2)Meredith R.
Sarabeth's was a great place for me to catch up with very old friends. We got seated in a corner table by the door; great people watching outside and an all-around cozy atmosphere in general. Our server was delightful and unintrusive; he let us be but was great when we needed him. I ordered a farmer's omelette and it was delicious; very fresh which means something coming from a San Franciscan. The pumpkin muffin on the side was very good though I wish it weren't as dry as it seemed. I still at every last morsel of it, though. They also have really good coffee. Thanks for a lovely weekday brunch, Sarabeth's.
(4)Lincoln H.
This is a brunch place for sure. Dinner, however... Rather disappointing. My girlfriend got the mussels and they were flavorless. My salad was bland and we can make more flavorful asparagus at home. Like I said, brunch is great.
(3)Erica U.
Staff was great in seating me and saying goodbye as i left. I ordered the country scramble with tea and toast and though it sounds plain, it was really good. My friend ordered the ricotta pancakes which I didn't try, but was gone in minutes so it must've been good. The tea was good and strong and the prices were decent too. Overall - Good meal
(4)Lynee L.
I've tried this place out twice for brunch. I would say they do sweet items way better than savory items. The french toast is nice. The eggs Benedict is horrible. Couple the so, so food with the exorbitant price and I can only give this place 2-stars. The upside for me is that its in my neighborhood.
(2)Elizabeth I.
Pros: cute setting, convenient location, delicious preserves, tasty fresh juices Cons: stupidly overpriced brunch, bland omelets, so-so service I'm an avid baker and brunch lover, so I figured an impromptu trip to Sarahbeth's UWS location with the boyfriend would be fun for brunch one day. Our waiter was a bit slow but not to a point of being intolerable; he forgot my juice completely until after we'd already been served, but that was fine. The preserves were delicious as expected; the omelets: tasteless. I've had overpriced small portioned but DELICIOUS brunch food before and am fine with this; however, sadly bland omelets with no taste whatsoever really let us down. In addition the muffin I had was rock hard. Boyfriend's croissant was tasty, though. In short, not what it's built up to be, but I'd come back and try dinner or lunch--the sandwiches looked pretty good.
(2)Amy R.
Fabulous brunch! Thin, light, ricotta lemon pancakes were memorable. French toast was amazing. Eggs benedict and omelets were perfectly executed. Delicious assortment of scones/muffins in the bread basket - served with fab apricot and mixed-berry jams. Although there was a long line, the wait was not bad at all. Atmosphere was great and our hats are off to the servers for navigating around the line to refill drinks, clear the tables, etc. Such a great experience that we went back the next day for more!
(5)The Eating A-Hole ..
Everyone's white
(4)Ian S.
Not worth the wait, not worth the money. The menu is unimaginative, and the food is below average. I really don't get the long lines. There are so many better options around: Cafe Lalo, Barney Greengrass, Machiavelli, Taralucci e Vino, Peacefood cafe (vegan), Pain Quotidien...
(1)Caitlin B.
Honestly this place is not worth the money. It's ridiculously overpriced for basic food. I came here for brunch on New Year's Day and was sorely disappointed. We got there and the place was packed, a promising sign initially. But it was all downhill once we sat. You sit right on top of the people next to you and hear every word of their conversation and frankly I don't care about the people next to me's "crazy night out". You're so close to the people next to you I didn't realize the waiter was taking the other tables order and not ours. The food is a whole other problem. Me and my friend wanted to split home fries since you're paying 8 DOLLARS for a side. She said it was big enough to share. She must not eat much because it came out on the smallest plate humanly possible. Not only was it not shareable but the fries were bland. On top of that I paid 18 dollars for the most basic turkey sandwich that the Jewish deli near my job makes better for a third of the cost. The chips that came with it were soggy too. If you're going to charge me 18 dollars for a sandwich and chips at least make it fresh. Will not be coming back
(1)Allison C.
Tasty, overpriced food in a nice Hamptons-esque setting. I'd been to Sarabeth's near Columbus Circle years ago, and this location just last weekend. Both times I left satisfied but a bit underwhelmed given the price. I ordered the almond French toast, with strawberry sauce. It was so dry I needed to supplement every bite with a sip of water. Diner French toast is much better. My boyfriend got the Red Roast omelette, which had some nice flavors but was nothing spectacular. The best dish we ordered was the basket of muffins and preserves. The muffins were good, and the preserves were great. If I went again, I would try the potato waffles with pork apricot sausage. I've seen a few reviews lauding that one. All of the pancake/waffle/french toast dishes were about $16 each. Not worth it. And $4 for a small cup of perfectly average coffee? Get over yourself, Sarabeth's! Their jam is awesome. My advice: pick some up here and then enjoy it on the carb of your choosing, in the comfort of your own home.
(3)Celine L.
Four Stars behause prices are very high. However, the food is excellent and the service very good. I was seated immediately and had a wonderful homemade pumpkin waffle. The food was simply delicious.
(4)Michael L.
A nice place to have breakfast/brunch with the family. As stated by many reviewers before me, the lemon ricatta pancakes are probably your safest bet as a first timer. I ordered the Popeye eggs which was scrambled eggs on a english muffin with black forest ham and sauteed spinach. It was decent, but not amazing. Stick with the lemon ricatta pancakes, my dad inhaled it, luckily not before i was able to sneak in a bite. The pancakes are fluffy, light, zesty, and flavorful. I would come back just for these pancakes. The coffee here is also good and goes well with the pancakes. My mom ordered the pumpkin waffles, it wasnt bad as well, but not as good as the pancakes. Will be back for the pancakes.
(4)John T.
Sarabeth should be embarrassed. They have a pretty good brunch, so I thought I would go there one night for dessert and drinks. The waiter was churly and seemed upset to be in the restaurant. He couldn't wait to get us out of the restaurant, presumably so he could go home as he removed half full dishes. The desserts ranged from just not good (strawberry shortcake) to bad (freezer burned ice cream). The only reason it gets 2 stars instead of negative stars (if that were possible) because their brunch is not bad.
(2)Sarah H.
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE. Seriously. I paid $25 for a boring, rubbery spinach and goat cheese omelette and a cup of coffee that I could have gotten at a Waffle House for 1/5th of the price. The omelette came with a "scone" that was basically a mass-produced processed bland biscuit with a couple currants thrown in. No flavor whatsoever. It really frustrates me how places like this become famous. Save your money and just go to the continental breakfast at your hotel. Extremely disappointed.
(1)Brian A.
Who do these people think they are? Such good food, but such lousy atmosphere..a bunch of pretentious divas, both the staff and the patrons. Don't even bother. I'll be staying in LES and Brooklyn for a more down-to-earth experience.
(1)Rosemarie T.
Came here around 12:30 pm on a Wednesday (4/6/11 to be exact) and was seated immediately. We ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict ($17) & Lemon Ricotta pancakes ($15). The food came out pretty quickly, and they have really good service. The place is also decorated nicely and feels clean. The Eggs Benedict was delicious. The English muffin was thick but still moist and soft. The ham was so good and tasty. There wasn't much hollandaise sauce but it wasn't necessary. There was also a small side salad of mixed greens that came with it. The Lemon Ricotta pancakes came as 5 smaller, thinner pancakes with butter, syrup, and some berries on the side. I had no idea what to expect, but once I had a bite, it was really good! More lemon-y than cheesy, and not sure how they do it, but it works!
(5)Lacey R.
I'm still not 100% sure that the wait for Sarabeth's is worth it, but luckily this time the rest of our party was running late, so by the time they arrived, our table was ready. Yay! I will say that the food is fantastic. If you don't order the bread/muffin basket with Sarabeth's signature jams, you're out of your goddamn mind. I had amazing waffles with strawberries and banana, and the rest of our party raved about their food as well. Service was spot on, and for a crowded restaurant, you could still hear your own conversations pretty well.
(4)Jen F.
Sarabeth has a great brunch menu. There are tons of great looking options. You get to choose your type of bread with your order- this can be a berry muffin, croissant, multigrain toast, as well as many other options. My omelette, the green and white, was tasty, although I would try something different next time. If you love fish, the salmon eggs benedict is a must try for you. They also have this mixed berry juice which is phenomenal. It takes like a liquid smoothie. I came here with a pretty large party so that could explain why my food was cold by the time I recieved it. Also, they will not seat you if everyone in your party isn't there which is frustrating if your always-late friend is coming. The place really filled up around 11am so I would try and get here at 10am or so to beat the brunch rush.
(3)Richard L.
This rating is for the Buttermilk Pancakes only. The service was fine but the food tasted like soft mushy bread. Tasteless. And it was $16.00 with 2 strawberries and 1/2 banana. Order anything else
(2)Michelle B.
The breakfast food is the best thing on the menu! Skip the muffins, they're kinda dry, but the friendly service & mimosas make for a cute afternoon.
(3)christopher r.
The menu has several interesting offerings, however the recipes could just use some tweaking. While the ambience, service and preparation was a step above a diner, the flavorings just missed on this one-time visit. (more accurately - 3 1/2 star) Salmon benedict was served on a spongey muffin whereas I prefer a crunchy muffin with nooks and crannies. The hollandaise sauce was bland. I prefer a citrus note to mine. My wife's pumpkin waffle with raisins and pumpkin seeds was a nice twist, on the typical dish, but served with honey it was too heavy. The side of bacon was crispy and fairly lean. I have yet to find a fat floppy strip of bacon in this city. (Please let me know where I can find one if you know!) The four flower juice was a refreshing surprise (orange, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate). Add some rum and you have a delicious daiquiri.
(3)Monica J.
Lunch review. I came here for lunch on a Tuesday. It was almost full. I had salmon eggs Benedict, which was actually disappointing. The eggs were on the hard side. Egg york didn't come out when I cut the eggs. I'm also not a fan of the soft bread under the eggs. We had a reservation, so there was no problem to get in. The service was ok. I don't think I'll come back.
(2)Vishal A.
Certainly one of the best brunch menu in the city...my usual pick is the potato waffle with chicken apple sausage which is amazing. Not cheap, but not expensive either for brunch in UWS...great coffee too.
(5)Dan T.
The lines can get ridiculously long for weekend brunch, but the food is good. Worth an extended, mind-numbing wait? Probably not. But if it's just 15-20 minutes, I'd stick around. You will be greeted by omelettes of generous proportions. Soft and never over cooked, even the plain omelette is enjoyable (but still lacking considering all the other toothsome possibilities at your fingertips!). It's always the ham that turns me off in an eggs benedict, so the salmon eggs benny is the best of all worlds in my books. In addition to the usual goodness of a nicely done Hollandaise sauce and savoury smoked salmon, the English muffin upon which both are perched is thick but still fluffy enough to easily give way to each bite. I like the fact that you can choose from so many different kinds of starches to accompany your eggs. Can't say that I would choose one over the other, but most of our table was licking the preserves off the plate. In case you were wondering how apples and apricots fit in with the breakfast sausages, they technically don't - the sausages are served ON TOP of apple or apricot preserves. I would definitely opt for the juicier and more savoury pork sausage over chicken. The Four Flowers Mimosa (orange, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate) is a nice change from your typical mimosa, but what I really like is the fact that they serve you an additional small carafe of the juice plus the remainder of the champagne bottle so that you have enough for more than just one flute-full of mimosa. Makes you actually feel like you are getting your $9 worth!
(3)Bea B.
Anytime after ten o'clock in the morning on the weekends and you're in it for the long haul. The wait for a table becomes long fairly fast. The early bird gets the yummy pumpkin muffin with ample butter (salted) and jam usually without so much as a minute's wait. Yippie! The breakfasts, thus far, do not disappoint. The ingredients taste fresh and the presentation is always appealing. I'm a fan of the Farmer's omelet which, if I recall correctly, is made with Gruyere, leeks, and bacon. With the omelet one has a choice of corn, pumpkin, bran, really rockin' english muffin (looks homemade), or one other type of muffin that escapes me. Also rad: they serve the coffee (kinda expensive, but it's hot, good and strong) with real cream, if one requests it. Aside from serving quality food, this place is tastefully decorated and nicely staffed. Go to Sarabeth's!
(4)Doreen L.
My experience here was mediocre. My husband and I came here for dinner and I ordered the crab cake sandwich and my husband had the sirloin burger. The burger was not salted, and the burger did not have enough fat. The burger was so dry and bland, we vowed never to order that again. The crab cake was ok. It was well seasoned and crab cake had a good consistency to it. This was not a life changing experience though. I have been the sarabeth's central park south and I have experienced their brunch menu. I would stick to breakfast, lunch and brunch.
(3)L M.
Had a great time at Sarabeth's a few weeks ago for brunch. We sat outside (right!? crazy weather!!) and enjoyed the amazing weather. After reading the yelps I assumed we'd have a long wait, but for a party of 2 we only waited about 8-10 minutes. The food was very good. I agree that the prices are steep for what you get, but my lemon ricotta pancakes were fantastic. I love that they serve them with REAL maple syrup. My fiancé had an omelette that he also really liked. The reviews of the jam are right - it really is delicious. Didn't feel the need to take any home, but it was definitely yummy. Service was very friendly and attentive despite seeming a little understaffed. We didn't feel rushed (even though there was a definite wait for a table), payment was processed quickly, and we left feeling very satisfied with the experience. Don't know if I would go back (prices are high for what you get) but I'm definitely glad we went. Prompt service, great food, and a nice (if small) outdoor space.
(4)Juliet K.
came here for brunch. very cute decor and a popular neighborhood restaurant. it was already packed by the time we got there and it was only an hour after they opened. food: pumpkin waffles - i wish there was just a tad more pumpkin, but i still loved it. with the raisins and the honey, it was such a delicious combo. almond crusted french toasted. Holy smokes people! this is the thing to order if you like sweet breakfast! the strawberry reduction was perfect - not overly sweet and artificial tasting like some places do it. yummmm! would totally go back and order this over and over again! classic eggs benedict. cant go wrong with this. eggs cooked perfectly with the runny yokes and great hollandaise sauce. some kind of omelet.. it looked too healthy so i didnt try it, but my friend said it was good. filled with lots of veggies inside. and the jam with the bread was homemade and full of deliciousness. chicken apple sausages. LOVED them. came on a bed of some more homemade jam. yum. i got one of the fresh juices that mixed like 4 diff fruits. wasn't a HUGE fan of it. the consistency was too thick, similar to a smoothie. i wanted juice, not a smoothie. but the flavor was good and it wasnt too sweet. great service. good solid food. yummies.
(4)Carlos R.
Sweet Benedict plate Great farmers omelette Freshly squeezed oh jay
(4)David L.
For dinner, they are usually quiet and food is always of high quality. Not a problem getting in at night. Their prix fixe is not a bad deal. I have had breakfast in the downtown location, and very much enjoyed it, just do not want to endure the wait.
(4)Judith R.
Went for coffee and a snack around 6:30pm on a Sat... the hostess was so nice. Seated promptly, good recommendations for food, excellent service. As expected...again!
(5)Angela C.
Come by 10am on the weekends or you could be waiting in line for awhile! This place is so cozy and cute, kinda like grandma's house with a modern twist. My sister and I shared a garden omelet and the lemon ricotta pancakes. The garden omelet was one of the best I've had. Instead of eggs with stuff folded inside, it's more like a frittata where the veggies and cheese were embedded in the eggs. The lemon ricotta pancakes - soo good. Normally I don't even like lemon flavored desserts/pastries/etc. They're thin and light - not too doughy with a unique texture and beautifully presented with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. My only wish was that there was more of it - they give you a thin stack of 5. These pancakes are perfect, you gotta try!
(4)Meru B.
I actually liked Sarabeth's a lot. I'm generally not in the market for food this pricey (it's not actually that pricey, but 15-25 bucks for entrees isn't daily fare for me), but this strikes me as the kind of place I'm happy to be on the days when I'm happy to pay that much. A nice ambiance, solid food, and friendly waiters made both of my experiences here quite enjoyable. Will definitely go again.
(5)Laura K.
Homemade jam, simple delicious dishes that taste farm fresh. Definitely a favorite for brunch, although I wish they took reservations.
(5)Vishal D.
Great Brunch!!! The drinks were awesome...my wife loved her Adult Hot Chocolate! We were a party of 4 and were seated after about a 30 mins wait...but well worth it! Everyone really enjoyed their drinks and meals.
(4)Beth W.
The reviews caused me to hesitate going to this place for breakfast today. Just in case the reviews were correct, I gave myself plenty of time as the reviews said the service was very slow and almost neglectful. Imagine my surprise when the service was very prompt and pleasant. I don't know if the staff has changed: I do know the level of service I experienced was not reflected of previous reviews. My coffee cup was never empty and my food arrived promptly. Now for the food. I ordered the garden omelet which was fresh and the eggs cooked well. My muffin was dry and that is the reason I rated this restaurant 4 instead of 5 stars.
(4)Rin R.
Good food. Friendly atmosphere. If you have the option to choose a pastry with your meal, the pumpkin muffin is awesome.
(4)Shauna S.
I love this place! Went there multiple times when I lived in Manhattan five years ago. Over this past weekend I went back and it was still just as good as I remember! I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Fun vibe. Make sure to get a table by the window or on the patio during the summer!
(5)Cassandra S.
I was not excited to wait 45 mins so I was relieved when it turned out to be more like 20. The food delivered though. My omelette was very good and the homemade english muffin was great. It's standard inflated Manhattan brunch pricing, but I am willing to let that slide if the food is good - and it was. I would definitely come back and order some of the other dishes as well. No complaints from me, but since there was really no *wow* factor, I'm giving it 4-stars.
(4)Yoonah L.
Had the goldie-lox omelette. Tasted goood. Small & cute spot. Crowd seemed more local, so no tourist/ ridiculous 2-hour waits.
(4)Dee S.
Went to Sarabeth's on Valentine's weekend and loved it! The eggs were perfectly done, and the bacon was delicious. The oatmeal looked amazing, I am going to try that or the pancakes next time. Had a great time with the boyfriend, brother, his girflfriend, and my sister.
(5)Kelly I.
My husband and I have been for dinner twice. Great service, Delicious food and a cute homey atmosphere.
(5)Amanda B.
ambiance: wow, this place can actually compete with chinese places in level of noise. people talk, and somehow the physics in here augment the voices and by the time you leave, you realize you're grown a little bit deaf. decor: not very pretty lighting, relatively awkward layout, friend says it felt like a diner. paintings don't really match. too much going on, confused about the image they're trying to build. food: "meh", exactly. service: smiley hostesses, regular waiters who are less caring than the hostesses. price: with "meh" food, well, let's just say that i've had better with cheaper prices. scenario: it is sunday at 2:30pm. we get in line, wait for 20mins to get seats. we get iced tea (comes in a cute jar, but completely unexpected presentation due to comparison with decor), coffee(re-fill-able), and coke. than we share some apple sauce chicken sausages, get the pancakes with strawberries and bananas (bananas were out, so we get extra strawberries, but the "extra" was really... none existent), and salmon egg benedict. the presentation of the food was very diner. i didn't know that this place was a diner. anyway, the food was alright, completely meh. due to my heaped up anticipation from bookmarking this place since a good 2-3yrs ago, and now to find out that it is only MEH. i will rightly give it 2 stars and predict that i probably won't revisit again.
(2)Elizabeth B.
Love Sarabeth's for brunch, but the West side location is small and you end up waiting for 30 minutes or more for a table for 2. Lemon ricotta pancakes and omlettes are great. Jam is the highlight of the meal! The drinks look great if you're a drink-with-brunch kind of person, especially the bloody mary, which may as well be served in a small bucket for how big it is.
(5)michelle k.
i love brunch and i was quite impressed with Sarabeth's. honestly, i wasn't expecting much b/c when a business starts to pick up the quality seems to decrease. not the case. i had the eggs benedict. eggs were poached perfectly and everything was fresh. i actually went on a weekend during brunch and we only waited 15 mins! impressive.
(5)Tassamai s.
Brunch is served until 4pm SCORE! So the place was not packed at all so we got seated quickly. I looked over the menu and I thought I wanted something savory, so I got the potato pancakes with apple chicken sausage and apple chutney. My friend got the lemon ricotta pancakes. While we were waiting for our food I finished my coffee and wanted more but it took a while for me to get a refill strike one. I got my breakfast and it looked good. I cut into the waffles... bland. I tasted the apple chicken sausage... is it supposed to taste sour? strike two. Unfortunately google couldn't tell me how apple sausage was supposed to taste. I tried it with the apple chutney and it was too sweet. I tried it with the syrup and all it tasted like was waffles and syrup the only thing it was okay with was sour cream. I think i wanted it to be more savory, i was talking to my friend to figure out how to make it to my taste? Maybe adding bacon in the batter? Well off my breakfast... the lemon ricotta pancakes are slamalacking! HOLY COW! I wanted to distract my friend and steal her breakfast. I just gave her the evil eye while I ate my bland waffles. Oh... 2 coffees = $7.50??!?!?!?!?!? and our waiter only came back to get his tip. BOOO strike three... you're out!
(2)Dave S.
Wife and I were on a trip to NYC a couple weekends ago, decided to check this place out what with all the buzz around it. Got a reservation but turned out not to need it, even though it was Saturday morning, our touristy butts were up before the post-party crowd started trickling in. Wife had the salmon benedict, which was pretty damn good. I had a veggie omelette with a pumpkin muffin. Omelette was alright, but I should have gotten the pancakes I think. As a rule I am always disappointed by brunch food anywhere I go because I have such high standards for egg preparation (as I consider the egg to be a perfect food that should be treated as such). That pumpkin muffin, though - damn I almost wet my pants. A little bit of preserves and butter on that thing and I was good to go. Seriously. Service was friendly, and we had a grand old time eavesdropping on the grouchy old ladies with the heavy Jersey accents sitting next to us on the bench-style seating in the back. If I lived in the City, I'm sure I'd be back.
(4)Jaime B.
Was totally disappointed! This place did not live up to the hype. Pancakes had no chutspha, nothing to them! Our omlette came out with the wrong ingredients and their strawberry butter and jam was mediocre. The service however was spot on. I swear the coffee pot was surgically attached to our waitresses hand. The best part if the meal was sharing it with my boyfriend.
(2)Ernest S.
This place was so good, I came here twice in one week when visiting the city. The lemon ricotta pancakes were really good - so good, it inspired me to try to cook another lemon ricotta dish (i.e., lemon ricotta pasta), which I'll never do ever again.
(4)Hideki A.
Everything went fine until the end that my bill is automatically applied with 18% tips in the circumstance that my party size is only 1. food is fine. but i got thirsty hours after the meal.
(2)Madeline M.
Came here with my sis after Yelping it. I ordered the eggs with salmon and cream cheese with a corn muffin. Sis ordered a veggie omelette with a pumpkin muffin. I was going to order the French toast, but after what I'd been eating since I arrived, felt it was better to order something with protein. I wasn't disappointed. My eggs were fluffy and the salmon was quite yummy.
(5)Jean L.
It's definitely a popular brunch spot with good food but not sure if it's worth waiting for 30 to 60 minutes for. The salmon egg benedict and potato waffle with chicken apple sausage was good.
(3)Deanna L.
This place is packed on Sundays for brunch. The wait wasn't too long and we were seated in 15 - 20 minutes. Food is very decent for brunch. I had the french toast which was great with almonds and berries. You get your money's worth!
(3)Gene E.
OMG...the food here is so good. It's pricey for sure, but everything is SPECTACULAR and the service is great.
(5)Chris N.
Excellent brunch, but a very long wait.
(4)Michelle R.
I had my first Sarabeth's experience on Saturday. I wanted somewhere I've never been before, fantastic sweet breakfast food (I gave up sweets for Lent.... oh the horror!), and a place where it's worth it for a friend of mine to travel an hour to get to. Luckily, we only had to wait 20 min and the weather was great. We sat down and perused the menu, I zeroed in on the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or the Almond-Crusted French Toast. My Jersey (by way of Cali, he'd be offended if I didn't mention that) Friend got the latter and we shared. I loved the pancakes, 4 rounds of soft fluffiness where the griddle was heated at just the right temperature to make it golden. I was moist and lemony, they weren't too sweet. I just wanted to package them in my purse and save it... like Napoleon Dynamite w/ plastic wrap. As for the Almond-Crusted goodness, the slices were thick and dense with egg, which was perfect to hold the slight batter. It was crispy from both the batter and the almonds, drizzled with raspberry syrup. In the end, he said it was worth the hour of travel to eat there.
(5)Natalie W.
I always take out of town guests to this establishment for the following reasons: 1. It's close to my house 2. The decor is nice-white table clothes, silverware, etc. (very old school) 3. The food is really good for the price I feel like there are a lot of places I could spend $18 on pot pie, but Sarabeth's will have the nicest ambiance of them all. Also, their soda's are so large you don't even need a refill. Loved the bread in the basket and thought the chicken salad sandwich was fantastic, if not a little dry.
(4)Joule V.
Waited one hour out in the cold for this brunch! But we enjoyed it. The muffin basket was filled with goodies, and the apricot and strawberry preserves were delicious. I enjoyed my frittata and croissant, and the coffee was great with real cream. A cute little place to eat breakfast!
(4)Miguel d.
The coffee was pretty much nonstop, and the amount of food that we ordered for the three of us looked like plates on top of plates on top of more plates. The juices are superb (but better as mimosas), the atmosphere a little prosaic (think hotel lobby meets grandma's decorating sense), and the service rushed because they're so busy. Those are all good signs. Hint: get yourself there early, or if you can, send a scout for a name placement. The rest of the group arrived and in a mere five minute wait we were seated. There are definitely a few things to try, but considering that Sarabeth's is known for the pastries, stick to the sweet stuff. French toast and company make a splash, but occasional trips to the savory side, like the omelets and side items like the chicken apple sausage doused in apple butter, are worth the deviation. The crowd becomes staggering past eleven, so like I said, get there early or wait. You'll see some irate and frustrated Upper West Siders trying to get a table and being driven out of their minds because the wait quote has the word "hour" in it. There are plenty of other options on the block, but you really do want this French toast.
(4)The J.
Go. Bring someone you like. Stick it out for the 30 minute wait. Sit in a cute little restaurant. Eat Yummy food for brunch. Feel full and satisfied. Tell everyone you went to Sarabeth's West and you loved it. Definitely try the lemon ricotta pancakes (mmmmmmm!). I tasted the fritatta with bacon and goat cheese + other stuff (mmmmm!) I've heard the farmer's omlette is also yummy (kinda the same as the fritatta) also get a side order of the chicken sausage with the apple or apricot sauce-- So good! Why are you still reading this-- GO!
(5)Nancy H.
Aw, this brunch place is exactly what a NY brunch place looks like in my imagination. It's super cute, bright, and cozy. They sell jars of jam and preserves. But the wait is crazy on the weekends! But so is every other brunch place down this street! Be prepared in the winter b/c there isn't much room inside to wait; you'll be waiting outside in the cold! I hear their warm drinks (in the winter) are a specialty.
(5)Devin H.
Sure, the food was really tasty... but it was expensive. The coffee is really overpriced and the entrees are not competitive. As much as I thought everything was delightful to the palate, it was simply nothing to write home about. The wait was also very long, but I guess it's what I get for going with a five-some on Father's Day.
(3)Jason J.
Brunch at Sarabeth's West is a decidedly sedate and serene affair, and that's exactly what they're going for. The service is excellent and the dishes are good and somewhat more creative than typical brunch fare, but not by much. It does a standard array of omelets and pancakes/waffles with really good jam. A very solid choice if you're okay with traditional.
(4)Colleen L.
I have finally been to Sarabeth's, the staple of Upper Manhattan brunch. Hooray! I have to say I have mixed feelings about it now that I've been... the food was great, but the atmosphere was, well, not my typical scene. The baby blue & white interior with lots of wood paneling made me feel like I was in Cape Cod or something, but the overcrowded seating area felt a little bit like a chain. The menu is huge, but it left me with some questions (like: what is this weird juice that people are paying so much for?) which is part of why we over-ordered. We were also cold and wet and starving, so that probably also had something to do with it. The muffins were good but not all they were cracked up to be. I'd recommend getting one on the side for $2.25 (not listed on the menu) instead of the basket. The lemon ricotta pancakes were great at first, but as they cooled they lost their fluffy zeal. I was really happy with the Popeye's Eggs, and I think the "English muffin" that it came on would have been my favorite part of the meal... however, that crown was stolen by the pork & apricot sausages, which come on a bed of apricot jam. They were phenomenally delicious. The Bloody Mary was also large and really tasty, and came with lots of fun things in it. I also have to say that everything was very nicely presented - I spotted a sandwich across the room cut into quarters with a spray of fries coming out of the middle, very cute. Despite all of the deliciousness, I probably won't be rushing back - however, the Sarabeth's Bakery in Chelsea Market might make it into regular rotation.
(3)JP G.
It's sad that this place falls into the category of overrated by many. Fact remains that every weekend, basically, there are lines out the door of droves of people waiting to eat here. Their brunch is classic, and it's not going anywhere. I gets the attraction of the many tourists out there, along with newbies to the neighborhood wanting to dine at the "best brunch spot." I've found it hard lately that it stands up as the "best." But I'll give it this: It's damn good.
(3)Alan R.
Their incredible shrinking pancakes continue to shrink each time I come here. After years-or should I say decades-of coming here, its time to move on and leave it to the hordes of tourists that seem to inhabit it every time we come here.
(2)Mary G.
We had a lovely breakfast in this very popular cafe. Friendly servers and fresh food. Their toasted granola with fruit is quite good. I want to come back to try other items, especially the baked goods and the jams / jellies.
(4)Kay I.
This place was alright. Waited 30-45 minutes even though the lady said 20. Brunch in New York Saturday morning is like the Barney's annual sale, calm down kids. The food was alright, nothing spectacular. Ambivalent as to whether I would come here again if I weren't in the area. Had the chicken sausage, farmer's omelette, both were okay. Service was decent, had some good eye-candy to scope out in the periphery but ambivalent about the overall experience.
(3)Claire Y.
Each time I go here, I always end up choosing the banana brioche french toast. Sure, there are a ton of other goodies (e.g. omelettes) on the menu, but there's something about this french toast that gets me weak in the knees. I also enjoy a long afternoon tea hour (or two) here with my girl friends. It's too bad that we don't live nearby, but when the weather is fair and we're up for some strolling, we'll make the trek to Sarabeth's for yet another quintessential UWS brunch or tea.
(4)Kat C.
We had a party of 6 eating at 10am on a Sunday morning. Nicole our server made our experience brunching alcohol free with two toddlers a pleasant experience. I am so grateful. Nothing was too much trouble and we all felt In fact all the staff were very friendly and helpful. I haven't been to this location before and found it much smaller than others in their group. It was still decorated in a classic fresh style. Ordered at our table was Eggs Benedict, Garden Omelette and French Toast. All were very well presented and tasted delicious. The coffee was great. Would return at a different time to try lunch or dinner menu.
(4)Christine F.
First place I ate at in NYC on a recent trip. Their pancakes were delish. We got right in--didn't have to wait. Probably one of my favorite places we ate on our trip.
(5)Kellee M.
Loved the lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict and four flowers juice! Beautiful atmosphere inside, too. A little spendy...
(4)Danny S.
Horrible horrible horrible!! Just had brunch!! You think if you pay top dollar the food and service would match!! Don't expect that !! I felt like I was in a Chinese buffet.. They first messed up our order that was fine but then ignored the table the entire meal .. I practically had to beg for water and a napkin... When the food came - I has a salmon Benedict it was cold and horrible!! Stay away! However the manager was awesome and she comped the meal and even payed for the drinks ... So maybe it was just an off day day for them cause the atmosphere was nice.
(1)Annie S.
I thought this place would be amazing, but it honestly wasn't that special. I ordered the Garden Omelette with a pumpkin muffin. Omelette was good but muffin was dry and crumbly. Maybe it's just me, but I like my muffins to be moist and soft. I did like the atmosphere though.
(2)mike l.
Ok but not great , I had the lobster roll and it was so chewy it was like chewing gum , in NYC there are so many better places why would you go here?
(2)M W.
Good service, very delicious almond crusted French toast. The almond crusted French toast is only available on the weekends.
(4)Jonathan G.
Overpriced and a little condescending? Sure. But they have a coconut waffle that will make you forget the look they gave you when you walked in. This waffle is juiced from Indonesian coconuts and the milk is flown in every morning via carrier hawk right to your table. At least it should be since it costs $16.50 for the one, very large, plate-sized waffle. There were three of us who shared this as an extra breakfast item and I don't want to bring up any unsightly incidents, but there may have been a fork fight over the last bite - ugly scene all around. I found the service to be swift and courteous. It should be when delivering the Goldie Lox (scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese) for $16.50. At least this has salmon in it...as well as Amish cream cheese hand churned and delivered via horse and buggy every morning. You get where this is going, right? Although I wax on and on about the high prices, they aren't really astronomical for NYC. Also, I would get each of these dishes again in a second. I would just hold my eyes closed while I signed the credit card receipt.
(4)Andrew F.
Food was pretty delightful, but got dull past the halfway mark. The service was friendly, but only moderately dependable. The product is good, but over-priced for what it is [as is majority of the things in NY]. The lady and I wanted some breakfast whilst visiting a friend, so I looked to my trustee reference book [aka YELP!] and looked up Sarabeth's. The pictures of the food looked like this place made the best food around. Being big fans of American breakfasts, we were down for this place. We walk in and were promptly seated. After surveying the menus, she orders the smoked salmon scramble while I get the Popeye Eggs. The food took around 15 minutes to arrive, but we both had to use the restroom separately, so it gave each of us time to conduct our business, as well as read the nice article they have printed, written by Sarabeth on how she became successful [located downstairs next to the restrooms] When the food arrived, I was initially disheartened, thinking that my eggs would be poached.. but, looking back at the menu, for sure, it said scrambled. Same reaction cam from my wife. But one bite into her food, she was happy. The cream cheese, semi=melty, was dreamy with the smoke salmon and eggs. For my Popeye eggs, the 'English Muffin' as they called it, was super delightful. The eggs were cooked about 30 secs too long for my own personal liking, but the food was still delicious. One thing that made this place unattractive to me was when there was a customer [I think she was Japanese], requested for something multiple times and was even blown off by one of the waitresses one of those times. I think she was asking for ranch dressing? I think she had to ask 4 times for it - didn't stay long enough to see if she actually got it. Our waters were filled regularly and tables were being turned over at a rapid pace. As mentioned previously, though the food was good, halfway through our meals, we both kind of lost steam and lost desire to eat the food. Not that it wasn't good, just that, the wow factor was lost around half way. Complimentary with the smoked salmon scramble was a choice of a scone, muffin, toast, or croissant, so we went with Banana muffin. The flavor was there, could have used some walnuts, but it was dry. All in all, the food was good, service was nice [ to us, at least], but the food got uninteresting after a while. Thought it was pricey for what it was, but was glad we stopped by.
(4)Lauryn C.
This is definitely one of the current hotspots in NYC. I met a friend here for brunch on a recent trip the place was packed but we were able to get a table in about twenty minutes. I was curious what the hype was about this place. Apparently Sarabeth's is known for their muffins. Being that I'm not a huge fan of sweet breakfast food I decided to pass on the muffin, which maybe that was my mistake. It seems that maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. We started with spicy bloody mary's a-ok nothing special though for $14. The menu did have a lot of tasty options and I had a hard time deciding what to order. I went for the spinach and goat cheese omelet. I like that they use all cage free organic eggs and the omelet was one of the fluffiest I've ever seen. But really you should be ordering something sweet here I think given that Sarabeth's started as a jam making business and the owner is a pastry chef the sweeter things seem to be the star items here. The omelet was tasty and came with a side of toast or a famous muffin. My friend ordered the potato waffles with chicken sausage. This dish was very good and inventive. Savory potato waffles with chives served with apple chicken sausage. The plate came with a side of sour cream and fresh apple sauce. It was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Brunch is so popular in NYC and there are just so many choices, of all the places I've eaten before this just wasn't a favorite for me. The quality of the food was excellent and people around me really seemed to enjoy their meals here,
(3)Faina S.
Love this place! Great for breakfast and lunch!
(5)Amphitrite W.
Did I mention that having brunch is one of my favorite things to do in NYC? Obviously I had to try Sarabeth's at some point and together with three friends we decided to go there. 1. Reservation issue We had a reservation and were there on time. However, we waited 15 minutes and were standing in the middle of the restaurant in the way of pretty much everybody. I don't mind waiting generally BUT at least one should tell us how long to wait. We had a reservation and we had to be there in time. All of us. If you don't play with their rules you don't get a table. If you are that strict to your customers you should have the same rules for your restaurant. To their defense: they apologized that we had to wait but said that this is normal on a busy day. 2. Seating However, eventually we got our table on the left side next to the bar. Horrible spot!!! It was cold outside and the doors were opened and closed constantly and it was just freezing each time someone wanted to get in or out which was every two to three minutes. But the restaurant itself was pretty. 3. Food Absolutely fantastic. Such a great brunch and so much better than most of the restaurants around. Everything came together and smelled, looked and tasted extremely good. My favorite dish were the CRISP POTATO WAFFLE with chicken & apple sausage, chunky apple butter and sour cream. OMG. That was incredible. Same for all the egg dishes we had. And don't even let me start talking about the raspberry jelly... Obviously, there are some things they should try to improve but as long as the food remains the same this restaurant will always be crowed.
(4)Nishu P.
My fiancé and I were staying at a hotel nearby and this was one of the places our hotel recommended to eat at. It was fabulous. I had the omelette with cream cheese inside it and my fiancé had the goat cheese omelette which he stated was the best omelette he's ever had. My omelette was perfect. The service was fantastic. They were attentive to our water and coffee. We never once had to look for our waiter. The place has a cute interior decor however the tables are so close together that there is a lack of privacy but with that said this place is worth it. Next time i'm in town I am coming here again.
(5)Danielle M.
Pretty good, but can be a bit pricey. The chicken pot pie was filling and piping hot. This is one of those placed I'd hit if I were in the area, but I might not seek it out.
(4)Erica L.
I was unimpressed after all the hype and the long lines I usually see here. To be fair, I didn't have the famed lemon ricotta pancakes. But the chive Gruyere frittata was pretty much flavorless, the crabcake Benedict was overly heavy and almost overcooked, the eggs clearly cooked in some silicone or similar mould. I won't be returning. The service was also slow.
(2)Jess P.
Came here for brunch and overall wasn't too impressed. I mean...the food was good, don't get me wrong. But for the price and the wait time, I figured I'd be more dazzled by it. I ordered the classic eggs benedict because that is my go-to brunch choice. It was pretty good, but again, I just wanted more from the dish. It tasted good but when I was finished, I wasn't really 'wow-ed' by it. Maybe I need to come back here again and give it another shot before completely write it off, but in my opinion, the city is filled with SO MANY other places for you to get your brunch on (for a cheaper price and at a place where the minimum wait time isn't 30 minutes) On a positive note, the service is good and the decor is very home-y and welcoming :)
(3)Jaclyn V.
Tomato soup is amazing!!!!!! Great seafood Cobb salad. Service is slow though but worth it
(4)Jackie R.
Love this place - staff is super duper friendly! It may be a bit pricey, but I think it's worth the food and overall ambience. I've only ever had brunch here but it's always a wonderful meal. Try the four flowers juice, it's refreshingly yumtastic!
(5)Spence H.
They ran out of Vermouth! Who ever heard of a restaurant running out of Vermouth?
(2)Omer Q.
My first trip here was many years ago with Shakespeare, yes, that was his name. Sometimes the company can over shadow the real mood of the place, in this case, I may have been wearing rose color glasses. It does amazing for brunch and they do it well but the transformation to dinner is lacking, they tend to drop the ball. This is not uncommon to be good at a brunch setting and not so good for dinner. I try to make it here for brunch every time I visit New York just for the memories.
(3)Kelly D.
My family and I ate here last week on a trip to NYC. We wanted to get away from a $17 per person breakfast buffet of cold eggs and potatoes at our hotel. This place was well worth the price tag! Although $93 for breakfast is steep, we all walked out of there very satisfied! I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes-wow! Our 14 yr. old son had the French toast with bacon and loved it. Hubby had an omelet and our younger son had the kids' pancakes. Service was fantastic, place was super cute and clean. It is away from the crowds which made it even more worthwhile for me!
(5)Tanya L.
I came here for brunch couple days ago. It was a lovely meal. They were kinda busy. The place was packed. We had to wait for a table. It was three of us. But actually, it was not that bad for the wait. It was probably less than fifteen minutes. But just to be sure -make a reservation in advance. We ordered pumpkin waffle, spinach & cheese omelet and crab cake egg benedict. They were all yummy and very tasty. I fell in love with the crab cake. My friends both loved what they ordered. We did have a great time at the restaurant. Our server was attentive and helpful. I would definitely go back to try more dishes soon.
(4)Liana T.
What's not to like? This was our last morning in New York City so we chose Sarabeth before heading to the Museum of Natural History. We ordered garden omelet and Goldie lox eggs. The portions are very generous. (Dishes were even tastier with tabasco sauce.) Scrumptious pumpkin muffin, and English muffin, more like a crumpet, was good too. Rich brewed coffee was filled seamlessly. Server Jenna was quick, friendly and efficient. We had a corner table, perfect for privacy and people watching. Two restrooms, clean and spacious. See framed reviews from 1988!
(5)Win C.
I have friends raving about this Sarabeth, and unfortunately, I was disappointed. It's definitely OVERPRICED, OVERHYPED, and I had better food. I was visiting an old friend that lived in the area and we ordered the following: 1) 2 glasses of the Four Flower drink - I have to say this was the HIGHLIGHT of my meal. It was delicious (banana, pomegranate, strawberry and pineapples mixed together), however, they only poured us about a quarter of a wine glass. For $6.75, I expected a full glass. 2) My dish - Pumpkin Waffle. The waffle was made fresh with raisin and pumpkin seeds spread over it with a little bit of sour cream and strawberries. They warmed up the maple syrup for me which was nice. But, it wasn't anything out of this world. 3) My friend's dish - Red pepper omelet. The homemade jam and scone was delicious, but the omelet was overcooked. For a $60 brunch, I could have done a lot better. There was barely any service too. This place is MEDIOCRE at best!
(2)Mia Z.
Everything in this location was spot-on. The decor was cozy, and it made me feel as though I was sitting in someone's home dining room for breakfast. Spacious, clean, and bright. The food was delicious. I opted for the savory goat cheese omelet while my friend had the sweet and fluffy pancakes. We shared and were left wanting more. I knocked off one star for the service, which was a little hurried and forgetful for a typical brunch spot. We asked for certain things a few times before we actually got them, and were left waiting for our check with our waitress nowhere to be found. I know it was a little packed at Sarabeth's but established brunch spots should be able to run a little more smoothly. Definitely give Sarabeth's a try. It's classic brunch, no muss, no fuss and it's all delicious. And whatever you order, get the Four Flowers Mimosa. It's heaven on earth.
(4)Sean J.
Came here for a late lunch and we ordered the short rib hash and the French toast. The hash was underwhelming and under seasoned. The French toast was on the dry side and disappointing. It was palatable after a heavy pouring of the syrup. The service was not too bad. The one downtown is better b
(3)Steph S.
I had a craving for lemon ricotta pancakes and the ones from Sarabeth's certainly hit the spot. Not the best I've ever had but very good. The chicken and apple sausage is phenomenal. Food came out fast. Did not find the host to be very helpful when we arrived.
(4)Amy P.
Came here at 9:30am for brunch and luckily we didn't have to wait at all. I had oatmeals and yogurt and it was really good. Food is decent here. Eggs benedicts are always good and loved their coffee as well.
(4)Joanna C.
Sarabeth's has been on my list of places to check out for ages and after a friend finally suggested it, I got to check it out this past weekend. We got there at noon and snagged one of the last remaining seats (luckily, this location does not fill up or have as big of a crowd as some of the other ones). I'm normally a savory breakfast person, but given how everyone always talks about Sarabeth's baked goods, decided to branch out and try something sweet. After a long deliberation (long partially because service is not the most attentive), I settled on the Almond-Crusted French Toast. The french toast was pretty good and I loved the flavor of the almonds. The strawberry jam drizzled across the toast was a bit too sweet for my taste and there was more than I needed, but it added a nice touch. Had it been a little later in the afternoon, I think this would have made the perfect dessert. My friend had the Pumpkin Waffle, which had a nice fall flavor about it and was not too sweet. While my mind wasn't blown, I did leave very full (definitely could not finish all of the food). Service was not the most attentive, but it was a beautiful fall day in the Upper West and Sarabeth's is so cute that it was nice to have an undisturbed brunch. Turns out Eggs Benedict is also supposed good here so I will have to return to try it next time!
(3)Rob L.
Excellent pancakes, too much food if anything. Just round the corner from the Museum of Natural History and makes for a great pre-museum brunch.
(4)Logan G.
Though the food was in fact delicious, one word sums up this restaurant, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, FABULOUS service. Our server was super friendly and helpful. His name was Mike, and you should absolutely request him to wait on you. The food was very good. I had their steak, which was though small, delectable. For dessert I had a very nice pudding (though it had a foreign name I cannot remember). It was really a very enjoyable night.
(5)Namir S.
Food: 4.5 Service: 3 I was unimpressed the first time i went to sarabeths (on 59th?). Ordered the garden omelette and it was quite average. This time, I got the crisp potato waffle, which was AMAZING. The waffle, the apple butter, and even the sour cream were phenomenal. The chicken apple sausage was also very good. The hostess wasn't very good: had us down for the wrong number of people, kept changing the time (yes I know that giving wait times is just guessing, but it should at least be consistent guessing). Waitress was friendly and helpful.
(4)Amy G.
The atmosphere and location were spot on, giving a New England vibe that felt full of class and comfort. The food was remarkable. For brunch, the lemon ricotta pancakes are nothing short of amazing. A great hint of lemon with nice texture. The Morning Glory is also a scrumptious dish. Very filling, fresh fruit, homemade granola, and honey to add on top that has a nice sweet flavor. However, the drinks were over priced. $4.50 for a regular coffee and $5.00 for a cappuccino. The customer service was good, but had to wait a little bit to recover the check. Besides from that, great place to have brunch with friends!
(4)Elizabeth S.
Good lord, this place is good. I haven't lived on the UWS since 1998, but have recently been in the city on a much more regular basis. And Sarabeth's is a brunch staple. My favorite is the Eggs Benedict; my partner's fave is the green and white. Their ingredients are unbelievably fresh and high quality, you don't mind paying what are higher-end prices for breakfast/brunch. I will say, however, that beverages are particularly over priced, so think before getting, for example, orange juice. Don't get me wrong, it's freshly squeezed and outstanding. But $8 for an OJ, no matter how good, feels a bit much. We finally went there for dinner out of curiosity, and it was just as good if not better. I had the steak frites, with a side of delicious Brussels Sprouts. Other folks had the pot pie and the burger, and every one of us was delighted with what we'd ordered. The servers are always nice, engaged, and willing to talk about the menu -- even when the brunch line extends down the block. You may feel frustrated by the wait, but once you're in, you aren't rushed through your meal at all. Just know that their brunch menu on the weekends is served until 4pm; we went one time later in the afternoon and I was hoping to be able to get a burger, but that wasn't possible because it wasn't late enough. But I ended up having the chicken sandwich and was equally happy. Enjoy!
(4)Robert C.
Not as good as the one on the upper east side. Took my wife here for a birthday brunch and it was very disappointing. Service was ok and food was not as good as I had it before. Servers and hosts all gathered around the counter chatting away and not paying attention to the floor. When guests came in, they were pointed to a table and not really taken to the table and presented menus. Seemed like they didn't want to stop their conversations. My wife liked her eggs benedict and i did not really like my goldie lox. It was a bit over cooked and not as fluffy as it usually was.
(2)Theresa N.
Yum. Great location. Salmon Benedict is to die for. Sit outside for a quicker table. A lot if New Yorkers seem to melt outside! :-)
(5)Alice C.
Delicious. Traditional brunch menu. I love the blueberry pancakes, and the staff is always friendly and attentive. The wait can be long sometimes so we usually opt to sit at the bar.
(5)Christopher M.
The one good thing about Sarabeth's was the Bloody Mary. We got there early when they opened so thankfully we did not have to wait, but I think if we did, I would find a way to give this place 0 stars. When looking at the menu you see the prices and are a little taken aback. I have no issue paying for a certain level of quality/service, but 18.50 for pancakes or a waffle with no sides (not even a salad garnish) means that it better be the best you have ever had. Having ordered the Coconut Waffle and the Lemon & Ricotta pancakes we can easily say that they were not near the best in any regard of anything we have ever had. IHOP would have tasted better IMHO. Had the entrees been priced at 9.99, then this restaurant may have gotten 3 stars for its true mediocrity, but at almost double that then it is easy to give it one star. We also had an issue with a hostess who made some arrogant remarks, but the manager on duty dealt with that by comping one of our entrees. Even with that comped it was still a $100 meal. My best advice is to go three blocks north and go to Jacob's Pickles where the food is delicious and worth the wait and the money.
(1)Sara M.
It's true what they say about brunch at sarahbeths- it's delicious. Do it, just do it. Also, the jams! They are good enough to buy at the store and you CAN! (They're in grocery stores is what I'm saying!)
(4)Mimi J.
Long wait - Hostess told us it would be 20 minutes for a table... 50 min later I went to check in with her and she said, "I'm not going to lie, it's going to be at least another 30 min." Remember when you originally said 20? Good food - the food is definitely good, however they charge for EVERYTHING and it ends up being quite expensive.
(2)Reuben S.
Went there with my wife to meet a friend in the city. He picked this place to meet up at and I'm so glad he did. We met for brunch. Food was very savory and the atmosphere was inviting. I would definitely recommend this establishment. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Kt F.
TERRIBLE SERVICE!!! I came here for breakfast/ brunch around 10:45am with my boyfriend to show him how fabulous Sarabeth's is (I've been to the UES location and it is wonderful). However, I was extremely disappointed with my experience at this UWS location. The service at this establishment is AWFUL. My boyfriend and I sat down at a table for two and it took us 20 minutes just to get WATER. The waitress barely visited our table... we only saw her three times the entire time we were eating there, (greeting, giving us our food, and handing us our check) and it was very difficult to get refills of water and coffee in a timely manner. As for the food... we ordered french toast and waffles, and it took FIFTY MINUTES to receive our food. When the food came out, it was lackluster at best. It did not taste like anything special, and was certainly not worth the $60 it was for the 2 dishes and coffee. The coffee also tasted very watery, and was not very hot. The most frustrating part of this experience was that in the 50+ minutes we were sitting at our table waiting for our food, THREE new tables sat down at the tables around us, and all received their food WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF SITTING DOWN. I do not understand how that is possible or fair. And to top it off, the hostesses kept staring at our table as if to "hurry" us up, like we were an annoyance because we were taking so long to eat our food, when in fact we didn't even receive our food yet!!! This experience was absolutely infuriating. I used to rave about Sarabeth's and recommend it to friends, but after this experience, I do not think I will give Sarabeth's my business again. You can find better brunch elsewhere.
(1)Mitchell B.
It was bad. When we got there the manger asked if we had a time set for dinner when no one was there. Also they where out of one dish that I can understand. But they also told us after we ordered and ask for bread that they where out of bread. The witness tried to help she cold of given us desert on the house. The only thing she give us was coffee.
(1)Matthew M.
We were hungry and in need of good coffee when we walked into this place. Both needs were sated. It was a Yelp referenced food find, as we touristed around the city. It was pricey for breakfast, but It was also good food and city prices. Our waiter was cordially helpful, our excellent coffee never empty, and our breakfast a well polished upscale version of breakfast staples. There is a bit of condescension in the air, though we were treated well even in casual dress. The interior is nice and clean feeling and overall enjoyable. i can't speak to the other options, but I'd return for breakfast again.
(4)Joel C.
So good to be back. Love this place. Great spot to eat outside and watch the city stroll by. I love that you can get brunch any day. Brunch always calls for a bloody and theirs is truly a work if art. Pickled veggies and a size glass that makes sense.
(5)JoAnna D.
We decided on Sarabeth's West at the tail-end of weekend brunch hours, meaning that we managed to avoid the crowd & lines. Yay! I ordered the Fat & Fluffy French Toast, & he ordered the Farmer's Omelet. My meal was good -- the fruit was fresh, the bread was cooked perfectly, and the serving size was generous. My boyfriend's omelet had fluffy eggs & perfectly-cooked potatoes & bacon. The food was good & the service was friendly, but the overall noise level & ambiance was less than comfortable. The constant stream of families with strollers had customers propping both doors open, leaving us in the path of the cold outdoor air. We sat between the door and the small bar area, meaning we were sandwiched between a few loud families and the noise of a busy server's station. Just ... too much for me. I've heard that Sarabeth's East is better overall, so if I'm going to make the trip downtown for brunch, I'll probably try that location before I come back to this one.
(2)Lynda B.
Sarabeth's West is a reliable breakfast/brunch stop for typical but good breakfast fare. Fresh and homey food with good service, hot coffee and bustling city atmosphere.
(5)Kim G.
Came for Saturday brunch around noon last week and the wait was around thirty minutes. It was a shorter wait than expected at this time. Make sure you let the staff know when your whole party has arrived in order for you to be put on the "all arrived" waiting list. The food was more expensive than other brunch places (including tip paid $26 without coffee or a cocktail) but it was extremely delicious. I got the eggs Benedict and the eggs were perfectly runny and everything was seasoned well. I would return to try more items on the menu in the future.
(4)Jade L.
I don't understand the hype here. The wait took forever, a good ~1.5 hours for Sunday brunch. The worst part was we were told 20 minutes and then 20 minutes after the 20 minutes, repeat until you reach ~1.5 hours later. The space is pretty big, but people just did not leave after eating (probably because they were drinking more, see comment below) the food is fine, but nothing you can't get at any other brunch place, and with less of a crazy wait the 2 special cocktails are worth it, delicious.
(2)Meischa Z.
Wonderful ambience, amazing servers and best of all delicious eggs Benedict and scrumptious almond crusted French toast ( a weekend brunch special only ie.)
(5)Eric H.
Food is alright and the service is just ok. With two young kids time is always of the essence from order to getting food. This is more of a brunch place for folks to talk and take their time. So not for us but positives - the brisket hash was really good. Pancakes were only ok. Had higher expectations going in which probably got me jaded. Bit pricey for the food and service.
(3)Graham P.
Had the kale and eggs and really enjoyed it. Drip coffee was as expected and the staff was attentive but not annoying. Not inexpensive but worth the cost. I went at 8am so I didn't have to deal with the brunch rush on a Saturday.
(4)Nevena R.
The food was perfectly fine, but I found it overpriced by about 40%. I tried the goat cheese spinach omelette, eggs Benedict, and pancakes. It was all perfectly fine, though the pancakes could have been much fluffier. Besides the four flower juice, nothing was original that you couldn't get elsewhere for less money.
(3)Daniel S.
Grossly overpriced. Food arrives cold after 90 minute wait (4 blocks away). Occasionally will gamble because if it does arrive hot, it's one of the better breakfast places on UWS, but $25 for French toast that's cold 75% of the time? Meh.
(3)Olivia G.
This place gets nuts for brunch. It's extremely expensive and has poor service. The food is okay but not dazzling considering the ordeal it is to enter the restaurant and eat the food. Tends to be a hotspot for tourists and snotty families. Don't order drinks but do get the lemon and ricotta pancakes.
(3)B N.
Cute spot - I asked for some recs and was told the goldi lox was good - news flash in my opinion salmon eggs and cream cheese... Too mushy for my taste. Friend ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes which were delish but they are flat not so fluffy.... Coffee is good tho!
(3)Rachel F.
Just really expensive and not that amazing. I had lox eggs benedict. It was mediocre in my book.(side note: why can't restaurants serve real english muffins? Thomas people..he was a good man) Also- pretty sure none of the ingredients are local/organic. For those prices, I'm hoping those eggs were from free range chickens. Lox was nothing special, either. I'm thinking this place is only good for sweet brunch (reviews about pancakes sound pretty good)
(3)Megan F.
This place needs to stick with brunch- fluffy pancakes, berries, mimosas, ect.. Sarabeths does that well. Tonight we came here for dinner. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, he ordered the lobster roll. The mac and cheese was like Kraft (white) mac and cheese, but with an even runnier sauce. With some chopped lobster sprinkled on top. It was incredibly bland. I was expecting a decent mac and cheese, I was shocked and then disgusted. I gave up trying to eat this after a few bites. I have very rarely, perhaps never, sent back a plate of food under these circumstances. The girls who staffed the restaurant were all scandalized that I would ask them to remove it from my check. Husband said the lobster rolls are better across the street at Luke's, though it was certainly edible. Bread basket contained various rolls that were so far past their prime, so stale, I would be ashamed to serve them to anyone. McFly cocktail was a weak pour, but the flavors were nice. Fries were the best! I would return here for brunch, but most definitely not for any other type of meal/food.
(1)Dan C.
Ok, so I have to be honest but really, I'm not going to be snobbish. Sarabeth's is a place for New Yorkers to eat. It's not for tourists. If you don't live here, stay away. There's no chance you're going to "get it" and we don't want you to. We just want to come and be among each other. Yesterday I was there for lunch. At the next table was an out-of-town couple: a very wealthy old guy (I saw his credit card...it was made of enriched plutonium) who was so miserable he didn't say a word the entire time and looked angry while he ate. With him was his trophy wife, way way younger, gorgeous, and acting very happy and animated because she must have been embarrassed by the old fart's refusal to say anything and gloom and doom. Both of them were eating a 4 egg scrambled egg plate and both had separate plates with about 8 slices of bacon on them. And the wife poured a ton of salt on her bacon. Let me share with you: New York people are on all kinds of weird diets, but none of them involve pouring salt on bacon. Before I left I went down to the bathrooms and accidentally walked into an unlocked bathroom where a very attractive woman was finishing up. We both were startled, both apologized, but then began chatting like BFFs. She told me she was with her boyfriend, they had been together forever but he refused to marry her, and would I please come by their table and tell him what nice things I had said about her. Hey, we're neighbors, you know? So I did, and I told him fella, if you don't pop the question, I'm going to do it right now so if she wants she can ditch you. See, we don't need tourists for any of this. So you guys from Okeebogee can eat in a Greek diner and see what New York diners are all about. And stay away from Brooklyn, or else.
(4)Scott H.
Absolutely overrated. Nice staff, but my grilled cheese and tomato soup was $17 and the sandwich was maybe 4 square inches and had barely any of the four delicious cheeses promised. The mimosa was standard, but for four, a $160 brunch should pack more punch. Sandwich was about 4 bites worth and the soup was just soup. One drink each. Absolutely will not go back anytime again. Many other spots like calle ocho or shake shack would be better.
(1)Ashley S.
The best thing about this restaurant is the ketchup. When we first walked in, we were met by unwelcoming hosts which was the first sign of poor service. The waitress was very disinterested in our satisfaction, barely checking in on us during our meal. I don't have any complaints on the food, but with the poor service, and lack-luster ambience, I will not be returning here to dine.
(2)Maria S.
Do not go here for Sunday Brunch. Overly crowded. Waited 50 min for a table for 4 people. Food was good. Although it was on the pricey side and not worth the wait and the ok service. Plus bc it was so crowded service staff was super busy. Restaurant felt like a tourist trap. Although food was good, not worth returning. I feel like I can get the same type of food at another restaurant with a more intimate feel, better service, and a place where it was more enjoyable. Not a New Yorker place for sure. But prbly good if you're a tourist wanting to be another face in the crowd.
(2)Mitchell M.
Really good brunch. Was here with my wife and 2 friends. There was a tiny bit of a wait, but not bad. You do have to wait on the street though...really no room to inside. Everyone was very polite and welcoming. The service was efficient and friendly. The clientele here are just what you expect on the Upper West Side. I will leave my personal opinions aside on this one, but most people familiar with NYC know what to expect when coming to the Upper West. The restaurant itself was fine. You had room to move, and the tables/chairs were certainly comfortable enough. I couldn't describe the decor if you paid me. Left no impression whatsoever. The Signature 26oz Bloody Mary was bested only by the chicken apple sausage which is outrageously good. It doesn't look the part, but it is delicious. C for presentation, A for taste. I had the Goldie Lox which was scrambled eggs with lox and cream cheese. It's more of an omelette, but it was really good. Everything was so fresh and light tasting. There other omelettes that were served around us looked very good. I would recommend the Open Faced Crab Cake Sandwich even though calling a sandwich is a stretch. The menu has a lot of other choices that it was difficult to make a decision. One thing is for sure though...order the chicken apple sausage no matter what you get. The crispy potato waffle looked really good too. They do offer outside seating, but try to sit furthest from curb. Otherwise you may have hungry people waiting for tables hovering over you. That's not relaxing in my mind.
(4)KJ W.
The brunch here is amazingly delicious. A bit pricey, but wow - my braised short rib hash was plentiful, filling, and I want more! The baked good were real good and their preserves are so good!!!
(5)Emily Z.
We came here around 1PM on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait about 45 minutes until we got seated. I do love the decor, but the food wasn't really worth the wait for me. I ordered the farmer's omelet (leak, potato, bacon and gruyere) and it was done well, but portion was definitely smaller than I've had at other brunch places. The Four Flower juice was delicious, and I wish I had gotten the Four Flower mimosa (the mimosas come with a glass of juice and champagne for you to mix yourself, which I liked). My girlfriend ordered an extra side of bacon with her waffles and it was $8. Really? NYC is expensive and all, but $2/strip of bacon seems pretty pricy. I'd recommend going for the sweet brunch options here. Sarabeth is known for muffins and pastries, and I did leave with a nice set of jams.
(3)Sofà P.
Overpriced and pretentious. Before I could even finish ordering, the waitress took the menu from me and walked away. Then she came back with my waffles tossed them at me and walked away, again I had to call her back and ask politely for the menu to finish ordering my breakfast But the coconut waffles made it worth my while
(3)David W.
Way too expensive. My family made a mistake coming here for breakfast, never again and I hope to spare you as well. Zabars is one block away, please go there. Or go, spend 4 dollars (yes) for terrible coffee, the sort your grandparents in Wisconsin get with a can opener. The food was ok, but the bill left the same bitter taste as the coffee. The service was terrific.
(2)Shiana D.
Sarabeth's used to be a place where you could go for a great, albeit overpriced, meal either with friends or alone. As a longtime and frequent customer of the restaurant its finally time for me to break up. The main dishes I've gotten at sarabeths are the buttermilk pancakes, the chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs so that is what I can speak to. Over time the quality has gone and now its no longer worth coming for these prices when the city has tons of great brunch places where you can wait for an hour for a table. Sadly the buttermilk pancakes have always been good and are still ok but I wouldn't go out of your way to come here just for that especially when they're dry and rather thin. Not fluffy. The chicken apple sausage used to be AMAZING but they must have changed the way the dish was prepared or the ingredients because now it is dry, large and charred with no flavor. Even the apricot or apple jam can't make up for the dry sausage that used to be juicy and full of flavor. Long story short just pass on this restaurant because of long waits, high prices and edible but not great food.
(2)Catfish H.
This place isn't special. It is a chain restaurant. In 2004 it was a breakfast destination, in 2014 it is a breakfast resignation.
(2)Chris G.
Came here for Thanksgiving.. They had a Thanksgiving menu but i had the steak.. nothing horrible but also nothing special honestly. Considering the price, I'll pass if spending my own $..
(2)Antoinette M.
Sarabeths food no matter where you eat is finest in food and great cuisines always guaranteed. Her jams are the best.
(4)Lara G.
We headed straight to Sarabeth straight from Central Park, early Easter morning. It was a beautiful day, albeit cold and at just after 8 in the morning, there were no lines, no crowds, no noise. It was perfect. The hostess was friendly and engaging as she lead us to a quiet table. A I asked for my favorite Lemon and Ricotta pancakes with a side of (gasp!) bacon while my favorite friend asked for Salmon Eggs Benedict. Service was quick but not rushed and we settled to enjoying our meal. The hint of lemon gives the pancakes a fresh taste which was perfect for spring. Since we are both believers of sharing our food, my friend gave me some of the salmon benedict and I restrained myself from stealing his food. We skipped the dessert and just opted for cappuccinos which were pitch-perfect. As we walked out of the restaurant, the line is now longer and we were glad we started our Easter early with Sarabeth's delicious breakfast.
(4)Maria G.
Came here on a Saturday for brunch with my friends. We had wanted to go elsewhere, but the wait was 2 hours, so we were relieved when the wait at Sarabeth's was quoted at 20 minutes and was more like 10. I had the Goldie Lox, which was good, but a little too much cream cheese for my liking and I tried my friend's lemon ricotta pancakes which were really delicious. My other friend got a salad, and it looked like it was all greens, a couple of shrimp and some avocado. I also ordered the adult hot chocolate, and quite honestly it wasn't worth it. Maybe a splash of alcohol? For $10? Seems a bit ridiculous. Overall, a solid brunch place, but nothing really stood out to me.
(3)Leslie H.
First time at Sarabeth's and it was everything I hoped it would be! I sampled the four flowers juice and it was totally delicious. For my entree, i had the salmon eggs benedict. This was a great eggs benedict and loved that it was served on a homemade english muffin. It really made a difference! My boyfriend had the goldilocks scrambled eggs. I was regretting not getting this. It was like a lox and bagel in an omelete form. It was creamy and delicious! His came with a muffin of choice and homemade jam. It's definitely more expensive than other brunch places but it was really a treat! We also came at 11 am on a Saturday and only had to wait 5-10 minutes to be seated. So, note to others who aren't in the area, make the "trek" to the UWS so you don't have to wait forever.
(4)Jen J.
Meh...average food at best. We came for brunch on a Saturday. It was packed. Service was great: everyone from the waitress to the hostess were friendly and all-smiles. The food however were nothing special. I had the classic egg Benedict. I agree with another reviewer below that the bread to benedict ratio was off; if anything, it needed more than the paper-thin ham that I got. To make it worse, the scrambled eggs were overcooked: you know, when it's in chunks instead of that creamy fluffy consistency. You are not allowed to eff up eggs if you are a breakfast/brunch place. That should be a rule. Overall, disappointing, especially considering a juice set me back almost $10 bucks after tip and the whole lackluster meal cost almost $30. I won't be back here again.
(2)Sar P.
its a great place for brunch, but the service sucks! Ive tried the ricotta pancakes and waffles and they are both good!
(3)Maria K.
One of my all time classics. A real NY institution. The tomato soup is to die for. Everything is fresh and yummy.
(5)Angelo P.
Bad service, overpriced, ok food. Amsterdam ave and Broadway has a lot of better options where you don't have to wait, won't be denied a table for 2 (after an hour wait) if your party stepped out or forget to place your order. The food is too sweet and sometimes even tasteless. This place has too much hype. Not worth the hassle.
(2)Emily C.
Sarabeth's is my go to brunch spot. They do not take reservations for brunch, so expect to wait a bit for a table. My favorites are the Eggs Benedict and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Brunch is not complete without a Four Flowers Mimosa! And plenty of coffee. The best way to start your Saturday or Sunday!
(5)Mary E.
First timer and the food was good! My favorite is however there tomato soup...omg...its so darn good!! I've had it in many other places and sometimes I'm feeling like im eating tomato sauce but their soup was absolutely exceptional!! Price isnt that great tho.. $10...but really a must try! Me and my sister ordered a salmon benedict. That was ok...just felt smoked salmon wasnt enough...really thin slice and the hollandaise sauce could of been more tasty. The banana strawberry french toast was also good but not the best. Presentation of the meals were really nice. I would come back but majority only for that darn soup!!
(4)Mini K.
I was craving brunch really badly, so went to Sarabeth's West after reading yelp review. I had salmon egg Benedict, and it was very good! There were lots of people even during the weekday, and there was a outdoor sitting as well. Waitress was little bit slow, but food was great!
(5)Elise K.
Great brunch place. The lemon ricotta pancakes are really tasty! I think the omelettes are good (especially the red omelette). The lines are a bit long during weekends. Wouldn't recommend for dinner. The service was terribly slow and you can get tasty food at places known for their non-breakfast fare.
(4)Reena M.
The brunch here is amazing!! The wait was hell since we had to wait outside in the cold for 45 minutes, and the hostesses are kind of snotty. But the food was awesome and worth the wait!
(4)roifield b.
Beware of the queues. You can wait for upwards of an hour to be served. That said the pancakes and the popeye eggs are worth the wait.
(4)e s.
Man, it used to be so good. I think Sarabeth is losing it's game. It's so sad when a great place starts getting lazy and doesn't pay attention to details as they used to. It's become so popular with expected lines over the weekend, it really felt like they were trying to turn around tables as quick as possible. My salmon eggs benedict.. my eggs were WAY over-poached... sadness. no runny yolk, it wasn't even moist.. My friends popeye eggs, the spinach was decent but the canadian bacon was DRY as cardboard.. what happened? I'm so sad. well. I'll move on.. After all this is nyc and there are a ton of other brunch spots that definitely put this place to shame.
(3)Nestlee M.
Great brunch spot. Food was delicious, especially liked the chicken apple sausage. Fabulous waitress. This location doesn't take reservations and since we arrived at 10:15 Sunday, we had to wait which we expected. Only down side of our experience was the hostess ... a real snit. She seemed to enjoy annoying everyone who had to give their name and then wait. Management, you can figure out who this was... we were there 12/4/11. Fortunately, we forgot about her after we sat down and enjoyed the meal!
(4)Scott L.
#NAME?
(4)Ivan W.
Great place for comfort food and relaxing conversation with a friend. Steak Frites and Chicken Pot Pie were excellent. Service was attentive when needed. Dessert was the highlight: Cookie Plate, Cheesecake with Orange Marmalade and Individual Peach Pie (especially good!) were all wonderful.
(4)Tempest B.
Based on Sam P's review I decided to try this place for brunch. I haven't heard any of the hype (nor even heard of the place until Yelp), so I have no idea if this place lives up to it. I can tell you that it totally rocks. I went on a Saturday around noon and the wait was only 10 minutes. The atmosphere is lovely. Even though the place was full it didn't feel crowded and gross. We had a lovely time. The food is also just as wonderful as the others say. Really good, really different! Anyone can whip up a pancake, but lemon ricotta? Pumpkin waffles? Almond-crusted French toast? Yum! Whoever puts together the menu is looking to give people a singular culinary experience. The prices are a little high for me (I'm poor!) but not so high that I can't afford to go there every few weeks. This is definitely a treat to look forward to.
(4)Vicki S.
Sarabeth's has a great atmosphere. It feels very homey. The eggs are great and the french toast is as well. The apple sausage are a great side dish. The raspberry tea that is served at Sarabeth's is my favorite tea. It is expensive, but worth it.
(4)Tiffany L.
Service is decent, and presentation is good. This is definitely one of the better brunch places I've been to on the UWS. That said, I'm still not impressed. The eggs benedict looked delightful until the first bite. The hollandaise was missing something - not sure what, and the english "muffin" was too thick, making the bread to egg ratio way to high. Not to mention, $6 orange juice makes this one of the more expensive brunch places around. Good ambiance, mediocre food. We'll keep looking.
(2)Elisabet E.
Wonderful brunch! We went at 11:30 on a Sunday morning and only waited about 15 min for a table for two (although the line was longer if your party was any larger than that). I ordered the potato waffle with apple sausage; it was scrumptious. Boyfriend ordered the Farmer's omelet; also very good. Nice ambiance and good service. A little pricey but it's worth it.
(5)Libby L.
There has only been one occasion where I've eaten out and said that my food was worth every single cent that I spent and that was after I went to Sarabeth's for a Saturday brunch. I ordered the pumpkin waffles with my mimosas. The food tasted really fresh and made to order. The only thing I didn't like about the place (it's gorgeous inside by the way), was the pushy waitstaff. I get they need their tips, but I don't like feeling like I should be leaving from the second I take my first bite. The food was worth it though (it's a little pricey so beware).
(4)Joyce W.
A great breakfast place in NY. I havent been to too many brunch places in the city but this is one way to start and Sarabeth's definitely set the bar high. I went with a couple of my friends on Sunday morning and there was already a long line at ~ 1030am. We had to wait ~ 30 min which is not bad at all. I was hoping for some inspiration on what to order from fellow yelpers but still it was hard to choose cuz everything sound soo delicious. I ended up ordering the potato waffle with chicken sausage. I loved the potato waffle... very different and was something i couldn't get anywhere else. The chicken sausage tho... was a lil dry ... but still good. Other great items included the almond french toast, and the popeye eggs =) Would love to go back and enjoy more of the preserves!!! I couldnt get enough of that!
(4)kristen b.
Yes. Go to Sarabeth's. The food is meticulously executed. Our farmer's omelet was supposed to come with bacon, potatoes and cheese. Little did we know that the potatoes would be finely diced, the bacon crumbled, the cheese fantastically melty, and the egg cooked so perfectly that it wasn't a bit browned. Fancy. The choice of 'bread" is equally fancy. We picked the house-made corn muffin, kind of like cornbread. Served with sweet butter. Good. Of all the fancy pancake/waffle selections, we decided to start with the basic on our first visit. Buttermilk pancake was fluffy and sweet, not heavy or gummy. The fresh bananas and strawberries were fresh and seasonal (at the time). The service was professional. Next time I'm in NY, I'll be back at Sarabeth's. The prices are high for breakfast, but the atmosphere, service and perfectly made food make up for it.
(4)Tiffany T.
Good brunch in a brunch-city. I liked the food and vibe but do not love. Friend and I went on a rainy Saturday morning/afternoon. Surprisingly short wait for table for two (was told 20min but actually about 10min). Got great table right in front of the window. I had the Frittata with peppers, mushrooms, and onions (asked for no bacon) ($12ish). Impossibly fluffy! Amazing texture that I loved. Great flavor as well - seasoned just right. Came with a croissant (flaky, buttery but cold). Friend had Almond-Crusted French Toast with Cranberry-something sauce ($11). Good but not great. Perhaps, the bread they use could be better? Plus, me no like-y powdered sugar. Great service - prompt, attentive, semi-friendly. Very clean presentation of restaurant interior.
(4)Taj W.
Great food! Some people complain about it being crowded and the wait, but would you prefer going to an EMPTY restaurant?!??! I wouldn't...It would make me wonder why it was empty. The french toast is amazing and the staff is pleasant, to say the least. Go early to avoid the crowds, if you must.
(4)Linda C.
The frittata is great, have had it twice recently. And the bloody mary is spicy and yummy! Highly recommend brunch here...expect a wait though (like all UWS good brunch spots).
(4)Lola P.
I love brunch at Sarabeths! Eggs benedict are solid (but that flavorless corn muffin on the bottom has got to go). Pancakes are delicious. Cream of tomato soup is super satisfying. Omelettes are overwhelmingly big. Nothing comes with sides and I wish they had more variety on their lunch menu, considering how high the prices are. The service leaves much to be desired, and the wait on weekends is ridiculous. All in all, it's a good place to eat brunch if you can get a table during off-hours.
(3)kathleen c.
the ambience is deceiving--the front of the restaurant is quaint and has a kind of kitchenette feel to it, and then as you amble on to the back, the decor has a bit of a carrow's feel, sans the lame art (the wall art was actually quite tasteful). the coffee was pretty blah. it tasted like it was old and had been sitting in the urn for ages. i like the taste to be bright and bold, but it was neither of those things. the only thing that redeems this place are the lemon ricotta pancakes. the lemon zest is like a burst of happiness and sunshine in your mouth and the ricotta makes it smooth yet fluffy. i have NEVER had pancakes like these. chicken apple sausages were okay, but a little dry in my opinion. good thing they were served on a bed of reduced applesauce (more like a compote) to slather on the sausage.
(4)Harriet M.
Sarabeth's West is definitely the best Sarabeth's location. Love this restaurant time and again. The tomato soup can NOT be beat - served piping hot, with fresh blended cheeses and chives sprinkled on top, and bits of fresh tomatoes throughout - it is absolutely delicious! There have been many soup imposters, but there is really nothing quite like it. It's a girly kind of place, good for getting together with friends. Check out our pictures of this mouth-watering soup - as well as afternoon tea and scones, at harrietmagpie.com/?p=1038
(4)Shannon D.
Had lunch here and loved my mushroom burger. It's a diner with high quality food and I would recommend for breakfast or brunch if you live in the area, but not more than Lanskys!
(4)Lisa L.
Cute brunch place if you're in the neighborhood. The food was good but I wouldn't say it was amazing. We arrived a little late so we didn't have to wait, which was a huge plus. I had the farmers omelette with bacon, leeks and gruyere cheese and had a bran muffin on the side. Like i said, good but not spectacular. My favorite part of the meal was how the iced coffee was served in little pitchers at the table. Very adorable !
(3)Erin L.
Mmm went back for the second time today. Honestly, this place is not worth the long wait. The food (brunch) is really not that amazing. I think I'm done with this place, time to try new brunch places!
(3)Jeremy B.
Great food, so-so service. Their meatloaf is top notch and they have a great atmosphere. Wine selection kind of poor, but what they do have is good. Give it a try if you find yourself in the area, but don't go out of your way to get there.
(4)T T W.
Have only eaten here for dinner, and I give 3 stars for location, decor, service, the fluffly free biscuits, and the velvet tomato soup. Everything else was not great. My Caesar salad had many brown pieces of iceberg lettuce, and the croutons weren't crunchy. Husb's mushroom/prosciutto risotto seemed to be an amalgam of rice, cream of mushroom soup, and "cat food". His glass of Chilean wine was $7.50 when the same wine is $10/bottle at the local store. Overall, it was overpriced. People seem to rave about brunch tho!!
(3)John W.
Popular place. Get there before 10am to quickly get seated. Service was adequate and the food was good, but not great. Wife had the salmon eggs benedict, which were quite good. I had the almond french toast and it was underwhelming.
(3)Steve N.
The 5 stars are for one item only: first time I came here I got them and while I have considered trying something else, in 6 or 7 return visits, I have yet to waver. The wait is long, and I usually regret trading more than a bite for anyone else's ricotta pancake, frittata or egg's benedict, but the POTATO WAFFLES are the lick! Moist, chewy, and mildly savory, the only real question is how to eat each bite - with the applesauce, sour cream or syrup. Oh, and they come with apple sausage. What! Also, don't go to another location and expect to have the same menu; that was an awful discovery at the SB Central Park after an hr wait.
(5)AJ Y.
The garden omelette was okay. It tasted healthy. There was a nice surprise of gruyere inside, but overall, an omelette is an omelette, and I didn't think this omelette was anything more special than other ones I've eaten. The blueberry muffin was good though. Not spectacular, but good enough.
(3)Beth T.
This place was the perfect spot to end my NYC visit. Arrived at 9:30 on Saturday and we were seated immediately. Our server was friendly and helped us choose between several menu items that sounded good...ended up with the pumpkin waffle and bacon and pepper fritatta, plus a side of potatoes. Everything was both simple and complex, and totally delicious. I would go back in a heartbeat the next time I'm in New York.
(4)Andrew K.
I came here b/c it's famous for brunch. The lines were long, including for the bathroom (strangely longer for men), but once you sit down, it's all good. The hostess had a 'tude and there are NO reservations. But, alas, my lemon ricotta pancakes, black courant scone with bitter orange marmalade, 4-flower juice, and soft scramble with scallions and cream cheese were all divine. The prices were fair and the ambiance was classic. The waiter, once you broke through to him, was a nice dude.
(4)Jen L.
Probably more like 3.5 stars. Brunch is good and the portions are huge. The Bloody Mary's and mimosas are good too. Service can be a little slow.
(3)Rachael S.
I came to Sarabeths specifically for the Lobster Prix Fix dinner. It is a great value at around $35 for a nice size lobster, salad, and dessert. The lobster was cooked nicely and the crab meat pasta on the side was delicious. Definitely going to go next time I am in a lobster mood. My whole group got the special minus one member who ordered scallops. They were fine, but lack luster. Service was ok. I do like that it is a large place so you aren't stuffed next to people like in most NYC restaurants.
(4)Vivian C.
I think I have the best sconce EVER!!!! love it!
(5)Stefunny K.
Waited about 45mins for party of two. Food was worth the wait! I liked the food here better than Norma's. We had pancakes and smoked salmon on black bread. Service was friendly, lots of families and adorable children and babies to coo over. The atmosphere is going for a neighborhoody feel, almost diner-like. I'd come again, but would probably not attempt the wait for a group bigger than 4.
(4)Jennifer D.
Went here for lunch this past weekend after my husband heard rave reviews about this place. He ordered the lobster roll and I ordered the Free Range Chicken Salad. The lobster roll was really good and so were the home made potato chips that came with it, however the portions were very small and inconsistent, as the table next to us ordered the same thing and had twice the amount of food. My salad would have been good except they forgot the salad dressing and the chicken was very very dry. Our waitress took our orders and then disappeared. Another staff member brought out our meal and cleared our plates. She never stopped by to ask how everything was or if we wanted refills on our drinks. After our plates were cleared, we were waiting about 15 minutes for our check and I had to ask another server who ignored me and then I had to ask the hostess and eventually we got our check. It's too bad the service is so poor here because they have a really good menu, even though it's over priced. 2 stars due to the nice decor and quick seating on a Saturday afternoon.
(2)Sally L.
Love it. Great early bite. Me and a friend try and get there every chance we get and even though she lives in LA it's one of her faves.
(5)snafu m.
Rude staff, long waits, pretentious food that promises but doesn't deliver, screaming kids, did I mention you have to wait over an hour to 'enjoy' this experience? AND it costs a lot too, what a joke. This place is the definition of overrated, don't believe the hype!
(1)Andrew D.
Disappointing brunch place after the positive reviews as well the amount of folks who stand in line. "Good Enough To Eat" a couple of blocks away is the much better choice. The service was mediocre and the food was ok. Won't go back... yet another disappointment for the UWS. I need to move.
(3)Stef P.
No wait to sit on a Saturday at 11am? Sounds good to me. It was chilly and waiting for an hour and a half to sit outside did not sound appealing to me. I love the decor and different rooms in this restaurant for fancy brunches. I had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries and almost ate the entire stack of five. My boyfriend had the Classic Eggs Benedict which wasn't over-the-top but never dissapoints. My mom had The Farmer's Omelet with ham, gruyere and leeks folded into fluffy eggs with a scone. The scone with preserves was outstanding. We also split a side Three-Pepper Home Fried Potatoes-charred, crispy, mushy-perfect! I do love this place. It's a little pricey for slightly above average brunch foods, but the location is stunning and it makes for a very nice occasion.
(4)Nina S.
What a cuuuute country kitchen homemade jam and scones scene! It's like I've died and gone to Laura Ashley heaven. Seriously, this is definitely a solid brunch place, but there is something so offensive about a side order of bacon that's seven dollars and orange juice (okay, it's fresh squeezed but still) that's six. Also, when I was there this past Sunday, the fat and fluffy french toast was super dry. Whatever happened to soaking the bread all the way through with egg so that it really tastes like french toast and not merely like challah bread with a thin coating of egg batter? i didn't send it back because it was busy and I didn't want to be obnoxious--maybe that's their special signature particular french toast style--but I now regret that I didn't. After all, for a breakfast totaling $35.00 per person (what I paid including tax and tip) everything should be crazy perfect. Also, the whole suburban UWS scene with moms and dads and strollers and the sort of entitled atmosphere feels strangely artificial and kinda bland. It's as if Applebee's upscaled it a bit and opened a Shabby Chic breakfast chain in all the zip codes where people will pay twelve dollars for a basket of muffins without batting an eyelash.
(3)Angelina L.
Came back with 3 friends to Sarabeth's West for Saturday brunch on June 4, 2011. The food was good.
(3)Steve P.
Since 99% of the reviews for Sarabeth's is for brunch...THIS IS A DINNER REVIEW! Whenever I am taking my kids out to eat in the neighborhood, this is the place they want to go to. I can honestly say that we have never been disappointed (we've eaten there about ten times). Here's a cumulative look at all of our dining experiences: SERVICE - Routinely excellent. Once, my waiter actually forgot my entree...so they comped it because I had to eat after everyone else. My kids can be a bit on the obnoxious side and the wait staff has always been nice to them (I think they purposely seat us in the back when they see us coming). The last time we were there, our waiter pointed out that Sarabeth herself was at a table. We couldn't figure out why she actually paid the check. She owns the joint! FOOD - For starters, the kids always share the cream of tomato soup and my wife and I have had the garden salad. She has also had the poached pear and arugula salad...and an occasional special. All fine. As you can see...we're predictable. The kids always get the burger..mostly because on the menu it is called "One Great Burger" and they like to say it. You can order it from turkey or sirloin....take the beef. I've had the meatloaf, chicken pot pie, hanger steak (that's what the waiter forgot), rigatoni, chicken breast and numerous other specials. My wife will usually get whatever fish is on the menu (they always have salmon) or she will get a salad. The food has always been very good....made to order and in large portions. They always have a lobster prix fixe which I had once and it was excellent. Starts with a garden salad, then you get a 1.5 lb lobster stuffed with crabmeat. I gave the kids my chocolate souffle. DRINKS - Full bar and generously poured. Even the wine portions are decent. Again, the kids get shirley temples every time we let them. SUMMARY - You cannot go wrong at Sarabeth's for a reliable and tasty meal. It isn't cheap...but it is always good. If you go there one night and see two adults and two kids making a lot of noise, slurping Shirley Temples and eating cheeseburgers...that's us. Oh yes, when you get the bill, the credit card bill is itemized. So, if you ever go there for business....everything you ate will be on the tab. Could be embarrassing if you eat a lot or if you have told your boss you are on a low carb diet.
(4)B F.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in NYC
(5)J M.
The food was good, but not worth the price. The decor is sunny and pleasant -- if only I could say the same for the hostesses. There were two (I'm not sure why, it wasn't crowded) and apparently neither was capable of doing the job. They were so rude, we almost walked out -- and I never walk out!
(2)Retired B.
Thankfully I went on a weekday for brunch several years ago. No line, no wait. I had an omelette which was very tasty. Too bad I didnt get to try more of the items on the menu. I thought the martha-stewart-ish decor was nice.
(4)Jordan T.
Had many recommendations to this place, and in the end I was satisfied. The food was really good, presentation was nice, and the service was good. We went on an Easter Sunday, so it was kind of packed, and that was kind of annoying, but that's my only complaint. I had eggs with sausages, and a muffin, and it was so good! Was a very welcoming place to eat, and I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Matthew R.
Took care of my party of 18 for a surprise engagement party! Very easy to make a reservation. All of our food and drinks came out perfectly. As a frequent visitor of the UES location, this compares beautifully. Will be back whenever in the area!
(5)Becky R.
I went here for brunch on a Sunday, so obviously I encountered a bit of a wait. 20-30 min for 2 people around noon, so not too bad. Keep in mind there's not a big area to wait inside so most likely you'll be stuck outside. I made sure I tried the pumpkin muffin after hearing a lot about it; it was ok. Not bad, not great. A muffin's a muffin. Decent service, decent food, nothing spectacular.
(3)Gourmet G.
This cozy, cottage-themed restaurant - where Sarabeth's Kitchen first established itself as a purveyor of outstanding pastries, fruit preserves, cookies, and cakes - is the flagship of four Manhattan dining spots that constitute Sarabeth Levine's mini-empire. Famous for its weekend brunch, it draws herds of New York Times-toting locals and their young broods in search of fluffy, overstuffed omelets, light-as-air buttermilk pancakes, and old-fashioned porridge. The lunch and dinner menus include a sensational Cobb salad with salmon, grilled liver and onions, and a chunky chicken pot pie. Bakery goods and jams, available to go, make nice gifts for the hostess who has everything.
(5)Dream L.
Their food is really good...especially their soup...but come on, $17 for a very small plate of Mac N Cheese and nothing else???? No. I can make it way better!
(3)J T.
salmoin eggs bendict... bomb!
(4)Gregory R.
This is a big brunch place (never been). At dinner, this place is very good comfort food Tomato Soup is great high calorie dish worth trying. Service is a bit variable.
(4)Brian J.
My wife and I like to go into Manhattan for Brunch on Sunday mornings. We try to do this on Sundays in the summer when everyone's left Manhattan. For a while we were going to Clinton Street baking Co., but last Sunday when we had to go to the UWS to take care of something we decided to try Sarabeths West for a change. We got there early, ( a little after 8am-ish, I'm an early riser) and lo and behold...no line. The food was great (Almond crusted french toast was good and my wife loved the lemon ricotta pancakes) and the atmosphere was truly of a brunch place. It got a little busy and there was a tremendous amount of strollers that they lined up in the hallway to the bathroom. All in all I think we found a new brunch place.
(4)Bevy M.
Yes, the brunches are great, and the decor is charming. I've also tried it for dinner, and the food was good, with lots of choices for a group with wide-ranging tastes. But the service -- oy! I can understand a long wait for brunch, but when you get there just as they're opening, the restaurant is empty, and nobody waiting, why do they make us wait for 20 minutes to be seated? Crazy! There are so many alternatives on this stretch I'd recommend visiting only if your wait is 10 minutes or less. Otherwise, vote with your feet for a meal that is more user-friendly.
(3)Sheena L.
I'm more of a savory breakfast kind of girl, so I went straight for the eggs. The frittata with veggies and gruyere is perfect -- not spongy or dry, just miraculously light and fluffy throughout with strings of gruyere and tiny chips of bacon. I had the good misfortune of getting my muffin order mixed up, so I got a currant scone in addition to my pumpkin muffin. Both were delicious (though I agree with Cheryl C. that the scone was very biscuit-like) -- so good that I just might have to come back and try those lemon ricotta pancakes.
(4)Arnab M.
Fancy little brunch place in the Upper West Side, always crowded and there's always a wait time BUT it is totally worth it. Get there by 10:30 AM on a Saturday or Sunday and you are golden, probably a 10-20 minute wait. The BEST cup of coffee, with an endless bottom nonetheless, HEAVENLY. The omelettes are almost too delicious and perfect, without even a hint of brown anywhere... Just BRIGHT YELLOW through out. Perfectly done, absolutely mouth watering. Their bagels and lox are good to. A must for a Sunday morning, especially on a warm, sunny day. Better go in a small group, it's a shorter wait and one can sit around ones table and people watch. This place draws a lot of those prentious people one just loves to hate, it's perfect entertainment to go with a perfect brunch.
(5)Alexandra L.
Although there are always lines at this place, the food is so worth it. I went for the first time this past weekend with a good friend, and we both had great meals. They pack people in - and are quick to seat - we only ended up waiting 20 minutes. I ordered the fluffy french toast with home fries and it was really good. I eat A LOT of french toast - it is my standard issue brunch order - and this was really good, not too buttery, not dry, and the syrup was great. The service is INCREDIBLE as well - quick to refill coffee and take orders. I love it.
(4)T R.
the lemon ricotta pancakes are damned good here. damned good. the place itself is homey, and fresh, and quaint, and nice, and friendly (you get the idea)...and i think that, just personally speaking, brunch should be a little dirtier, a little grittier. we were surrounded by tables of kids and parents who undoubtedly woke up in large, white, fluffy beds, while i woke up...well, let's not talk about where or with whom i woke up. but suffice it to say that i felt like a dirty hot topic pre-teen dropped into a shiny williams sonoma ad... (note: i originally posted this review for Good Enough to Eat--i ate at both restaurants the same week and got them confused--my apologies!)
(4)Patrick B.
Ok, I've never eaten here but I stopped by to pick up a tomato soup one day because I heard that it was all the rage. Let me tell you, it is beyond the rage. I went back immediately to order another one for later and a couple to throw in the freezer. Granted I had to pull my kid out of college to afford this, but it was well worth it. EAT THE SOUP!
(4)Scott R.
Sarabeth - I love you But I fear we can never be together For I am a guy You are an insanely popular brunch spot And no straight guy could wait in line for an hour For brunch Unless his heart belongs to another woman Who convinces him it's worth waiting an hour in line For brunch Oh the irony - we can only truly embrace if I am with another It's like the twins fantasy I never had b/c I have twin sisters And would kick the #%!#% out of any guy who'd even try... So I call you on the phone And I tell you what I need You say come by in 15 minutes I arrive - my heart a-flutter And pass by all the girls and couples waiting for your affection Charlatans. Imposters. All of them. I shuffle to the counter and we exchange Furtive glances. Your love - barely reined in by to-go containers. My love - suppressed and tawdrily represented by a piece of paper With Andrew Jackson's visage I almost run out in shame But I stick around for the change Not because $6 and coins means anything to me I just want the moment to last a little longer I leave for my apartment With your light and fluffy french toast, pancakes, or omelet And a heavy heart If you could only be there When I enjoy your delicious french toast or buttermilk pancakes With syrup almost as sweet as you If I could bottle your love and that syrup I'd be one happy diabetic Your scone with apricot preserves brings me back To the cottage home with roaring fire In the countryside That I saw once in a film Was it Merchant-Ivory? And even though your lemon ricotta pancakes or blintzes Aren't quite my thing And your eggs benedict don't justify their $15 price tag I still love you for trying Perhaps one day we can be together But I don't want to spoli it By waiting in line for an hour Or settling for a lesser moment Like dinner. [Note: I tried out the sirloin burger here. Good but not great. Really liked everything around the burger (the brioche bun, the avocado) and the accoutrements (mini-pickles, shoestring fries, a great coleslaw with shredded green apples). Expected something above the norm with the burger - like their pancakes/french toast - but i found it lacking in juiciness and flavor. Plus, it was Medium/Medium Well and I asked for Medium Rare.]
(5)J B.
I've never been so excited to go "out" to breakfast as when I stayed in NYC with a local that took me here. The service is good and the food is truly outstanding. An enormous breakfast for around $10. If you have the time, they have a huge selection of teas, and herbal infusions, which are fantastic. The pot can easily be shared with others, the tea/infusion is strong and flavorful, I think the one I had was sugarplum. I can't think of going back to New York without Breakfast/brunch at Sarabeth's.
(5)Patricia R.
came here for brunch with a shitty hangover and..oh did this make me feel better. yummy. the wait kind of sucked but not to bad, cant wait to go back.
(4)Danielle L.
I love french toast. But in an attempt to "unbias" myself , I began a personal pancake project. I thought I had found the best (@ Clinton Street Baking Co -see review) but then one fine Friday morning I tried the LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES at Sarabeth's...All I can say is LOVELY! I actually felt elevated in mind, body and soul. I am not kidding.
(4)R B.
Trying to ignore the hype, and pretending an hour wait is totally reasonable for eggs, we took an out-of-towner here for brunch on a Saturday lunch in August. I love the teashop decor and the chintzy white wood and knick-knacks. I do not love having to wait for so long as it makes me anxious and antsy checking if we dropped off the list, or why that group got seated before us, but seemed to have arrived after we camped out in the doorway. As good as the food is, it isn't necessarily worth the wait on the weekend. We came back on a Weds and got seated right away and the crab cake with homemade muffin was dee-lish, perhaps tasting better than my omelet at the weekend because it didn't come with a side order of "yes, Daniel, that's us, we're here, coming, please don't give our table away...". Pancakes and waffles got yums all round and the cheese blintzes were declared a must-have and well worth the extra calories. I wasn't in love with the omelet; in the quest for fluffy, went a little close to the rubbery end of the spectrum with not a lot of the other ingredients in the over-puffed egg mountain If you can't bear the wait, order a pot of Sarabeth's jam on Fresh Direct or in Fairway and other stores. It's so yummy, fresh ripe fruit, not too sweet or syrupy, I just want to site down with a spoon. It will be hard to eat it when it's not on one of Sarabeth's fresh made scones. All we need now is some clotted cream and I'm inviting the Queen. Quick question though, why is it that teapots here don't pour properly? As a Brit transplant, I can't help but order tea if it's offered in a pot, but I have yet to encounter a non-leaky specimen.
(4)Irena C.
perfect brunch spot in that predictable UWS way.
(4)Chris Y.
Hands down this is my favorite breakfast spot in Manhattan. I think many people would have to agree since there is always a line for this place. I love the elegant 'country club' setting inside. Everything I've tried on the menu has been delicious, but my favorite is the almond encrusted french toast. It's the perfect start for a relaxing Sunday morning.
(5)Christian P.
love the brunch here!! their unique take on mimosas is deeeeeelicious (and nicely priced for what you get)!!
(5)Ayelet I.
Can't really complain about anything here. During the weekend it's busy even early. I think I got there around 10am on a Saturday and it was already nearly full. The service here is excellent, my cup of coffee was always full and despite coming in alone was never pressured to hurry up and leave to make space for others.I absolutely devoured my delicious pumpkin french toast, which came with lots of fruit and which left my belly full and happy. A little on the pricey side maybe but worth the splurge every so often. Decor is nothing worth noting.
(4)Alexis A.
Met a friend and her family for dinner at this place tonight. The food was ok for a neighborhood place. Nothing outstanding or amazing. I had the morocan lamb stew that had no spice at all. I salted and peppered, then salted again - that is a lot as I usually add no salt to my food. The salads they all ordered looked fabulous. The cookie platter was a little disappointing for a place known for baked goods (though I found the buttermilk bisquit too soft on the inside and oddly stale on the outside). One sugar type soft cookie was really tasty. The brownie cookie, cutout sugar cookie, palmier and linzer cookie stayed on the table not even half eaten. REALLY not a good sign for a bakery.
(3)Jando S.
My experience at Sarabeth's weekend brunch started off with a small stroke of luck -- no wait despite how crowded the place was. Surely this is an atypical occurrence, but I was not impressed initially because the place looked like it was full of hype and no real substance. The menu didn't seem that impressive and clearly I was judging the cover by the menu (does that even sound right?). Without a doubt, I couldn't have been more wrong. Why? The food was nothing short of spectacular, the service was accommodating, and the prices weren't as bad as I thought. The Goldie Lox (smoked salmon + eggs) couldn't have been more better prepared sporting a fluffy texture and a heavenly taste. Trying the other dishes (spinach & goat cheese omelette, farmer's omelette) only left me yearning for more. The service was fantastic as was the simple, yet homey decor. It may not be the most inexpensive restaurant, but the impression left was one that was worth all the money for one of the best brunch experiences I've had.
(5)Nancy C.
The last time we went to brunch on the UWS, we went to Good Enough To Eat but we decided this time, it wasn't good enough, so we went to Sarabeth's. Even at 10 am, there was a bit of a wait, which wasn't surprising. We actually didn't have to wait very long...they told us 20 minutes in line, we waited maybe half that. It was crowded, but didn't bother me because I had an inside seat. Poor Henry...he was on the outside and was jostled by waiters and people waiting on line (note to self: ask for a table in the back next time!). We got coffee right away but had to wait awhile for someone to take our order. Once the orders were placed, the food came maybe ten minutes later. Yum! I ordered the lemon and ricotta pancakes. I highly recommend them, especially if you're a lemon lover (Henry thought they were too citrusy but to each her own, I suppose). I came with fresh blackberries and strawberries. Henry ordered the salmon eggs benedict, which was on a homemade English muffin, which Henry reports as "alright" and complained that the bottom of one of the muffins was overcooked and it was overpriced (15 dollars for two poached eggs but it's got lox on it, sooooo....yeah.) We shared a side of chicken sausage, which I recommend. All in all, it was a good experience, the restaurant itself is warm and inviting, the food was pretty good if on the expensive side but I would go back again, maybe earlier next time. (It opens at 8.)
(4)Melissa W.
We went around 11am on yesterday's MLK Jr. Monday holiday, were told the wait for a table for 2 would be 40 minutes. Many people came in after us but turned down the offer to be added to the list. They should have stuck it out because 10 minutes later we were seated at an awesome little booth for 2. Based on the Yelp reviews I had to try those lemon ricotta pancakes and they did not disappoint. We also had the Eggs Benedict, which were served on a perfectly toasted fresh muffin that made them most likely the best I've ever had. The cappuccino was good, and I got a refill of regular coffee, which made me very happy. It wasn't cheap but I have seen much much worse. I thought it was a great brunch experience.
(4)Elana N.
It's funny how the same restaurant is more highly rated for its' west side location than its' east. That said, it is a fabulous brunch to have if you're willing to fork over the $$. Only downside is the long wait on weekends, and the gamble for a nice waiter. I've eaten here a few times, and have dealt with very attentive ones, and very bitchy ones. It's a crapshoot I think. But the food and drink is some of the best I've had before noon.
(3)Jenn L.
Nice brunch place on the UWS if you can handle the long waits. It's the perfect place to bring your parents but I'd avoid large groups because you'll never get seated. Most of their sweet breakfast items are great and I personally love their Eggs Benedict. Overall, it's a solid choice for brunch on the UWS (I've never been there for lunch or dinner) but the lines can get long and the prices aren't exactly cheap.
(3)Bergdorf Brunette ..
I'm not sure why everyone loves this place. If I'm going to subject myself to the brunch-mob-scene, I'd rather go to Good Enough to Eat.
(3)Andrew K.
OK, let's start with a disclaimer--I enjoy the absurdity of people milling about in a line in front of one of the many indistinguishable brunch spots on Amsterdam Ave on a Sunday, waiting patiently for the same 12 dollar bloody mary and 14 dollar omelette. But, as Sarabeth's consistently has one of the longest of these queues, my wife and I felt we had to give it a try. We got lucky and were able to walk right in, our 10 month son in tow. While we had read that SBs is a child friendly place, this turned out not to be the case. As soon as we sat down, the waiters rushed to take our order, eyeing our son as though he were a communicable disease. The entire meal was rushed, our bill was brought to us without our asking for it, the pancakes we had were cold. all and all, a forgettable meal. We won't be returning
(2)Joshua G.
Great pancakes!!!!
(5)Alfonso E.
Ya, I buy the hype. The brunch is simply fantastic, but the 'tude and the lines just don't attract me to the idea of making it a regular spot. But it's an easy destination when you do run out of Apricot preserve (their's is a must in every kitchen cabinet or pantry).
(4)Abby W.
yummy brunch...do have to wait for whole party to arrive to be seated, if you go at a slightly less popular time of day for brunch you don't have to wait quite a long
(4)nick s.
I wish I could give zero stars. Went for breakfast this morning and was beyond disappointed. I had the spinach and goat cheese omelette with a side of bacon. Now, the omelette comes out and I cut into it and loose eggs run all over the plate. Now, I am a big fan of loose omelettes, but this was absurd. There was enough runny egg to cover the whole plate! So I sent it back of course. While waiting for the eggs to come back, I ate some of the bacon. The only way to describe that bacon is disgusting. It was not just bad, it was gross. Ive had way better bacon at a truck stop in the midwest. On top of that, it was $6.50 for the side of bacon!!! What a rip! The omelette came out for the second time and it was of way over cooked. I felt angry paying my $39 for two breakfasts. I have walked by this place about 4,000 times seeing as I live up the block and always assumed that because there were so many people outside an UWS brunch spot that it must really SUCK, cause people on the UWS dont seem to mind paying out the a$$ for really terrible food, especially when it comes to brunch. I went to find out if I was right, and I was. I guess I will have to continue cooking brunch for me and my wife/friends or go other parts of the city.
(1)Mariana L.
Ok, so you'll never get to ear here on the weekends for Brunch. The lines are insane, and the word has been out far too long already. If you come here during a weekday morning, it's quiet and calm with no wait. The lemon ricotta pancakes with a side of apricot sausage still invade my dreams.
(4)M V.
a little less than so-so. no big whoop.
(2)megan w.
A brunch classic, made all the better by its proximity to Zabar's. Best when it's snowing outside.
(5)Ashley M.
Though we had to wait for Sunday morning brunch, they were right on the mark when they estimated 45 minutes and we spent the time nearby shopping. The eggs and omlettes are served with your choice of bread OR muffin with amazing homemade jam. Everything was wonderful. Great coffee, great omlettes, great muffins. Oh and to top it off Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were dining there too. You know a place is good when ....
(5)A. T.
Don't get the potato pancakes. Otherwise the food is fairly decent all around, including the french toast dishes. Things on the menu are overpriced, but you are paying for the ambience.
(3)Sam P.
And my 200th review goes to one of the loveliest and most unbeatable brunch places around. Believe the hype, wait the 50 minutes, it is worth it. Fluffy, delicious eggs, rich coffee, chicken apple sausage, lemon ricotta pancakes, pumpkin french toast, all served in an absolutely adorable British-tea-roomesque setting - and your food comes with a scone! A good scone! I love scones! Basically, the service is great, the prices are totally reasonable, and everything (literally everything) on the menu is as delectable as it looks. A few tips for beating the line, because yes, there will be one, and yes, it is disheartening. First, make friends with the hostess girls - they'll help you out, and they're all very friendly (and that's saying something for a popular NYC brunch place). Two, stick it out. Many impatient New Yorkers will cut out early. This will cut your waiting time in half. I adore Sarabeth's.
(5)David F.
Not the most convenient place to wait for a table, but the line moved fast enough on a Sunday mid morning. The service was very attentive, and we had a nice quiet booth in the back. Jenny's omelet was tasty and fresh, my Popeye's breakfast was surprisingly tasty as well. The coffee was fresh and good, The apricot sausage was a disappointment because they were just regular sausages drenched in jam. (dam good jam though) all in all a very nice place for a treat, but a bit too pricey for a regular meal.
(4)Jaime S.
brunch mecca. but it totally lives up to the hype. the wait can be atrocious on the weekends, but if you get there on the earlier side its actually not too bad. the eggs are impossibly fluffy here. i really am not sure how they do it. and fyi, they've recently implemented a new policy that they won't tell you how long your wait is until your entire party's arrived. i asked the hostess what brought this on and apparently they've had some "incidents" lately. not so sure what that means exactly, but you can use your imagination...
(5)Alex H.
This place was okay, but I wouldn't go again. The wait was reasonable: just 20 minutes at 10 a.m. on a Sunday. Unfortunately, a crowd of about 15 people was hovering inside (near the doorway) and waiting for tables, because it was cold outside. We spent 20 minutes being jostled by the crowd and being asked by the waitress to get out of the way so she could get to tables to pour coffee. At some point, the hostess asked me who I was and told me she didn't have me on the list. She didn't remember talking to me. After some negotiation, they seated us at a booth table where I sat to the side of my brunch partner. There really wasn't enough room for both of us to sit with our feet under the table in that configuration. When I asked for a chair so I could sit opposite of my friend, they told me they didn't have enough chairs to offer me one. They kindly moved us to another table, next to a woman with a screaming toddler. (The mother eventually asked for a high chair, which apparently was not offered to her when they were first seated. The toddler had been running around the table throwing a tantrum. When they finally brought the high chair, the toddler was a bit happier.) The toddler notwithstanding, the restaurant was somewhat loud inside. My friend ordered a soda, but the soda machine was broken so we had to wait 10-15 minutes for the machine to be fixed and for her caffeine to arrive at the table. When we finished eating, no one seemed to notice. It took about 20 minutes to get our bill. The food was good, but the service and the atmosphere make this a definite thumbs down in my book.
(2)Trystero T.
are you kidding me? this place is ridiculously expensive and the food's not much better than mediocre at best. wake up people. being ripped-off is a vicious cycle the more your self-esteem erodes the more you seek getting ripped off again to regain it ...
(1)Adam S.
I am a sarabeth's regular and live around the corner. I've spent seemingly hundreds of dollars on their overpriced yet enjoyable brunch. They stop brunch at 4 pm on the weekends. I was sitting at my table by 3:40, (having even volunteered to sit outside to ease their burden inside.) The waiter came and gave us coffee quickly and then we didn't see him for almost 20 minutes. It was just before 4 and he finally came and took our order and the table next to us as well. He then, more than 5 minutes later came back and shoved lunch menus in our faces and said that he didn't get the order in before 4pm, so we could order lunch or drink our coffees and go. I spoke to the manager who didn't care. It's bad business. We left not eating their and I will not be going back. It is a sad day for me, but I can't seem to bring myself to go back and eat their crazy expensive food with that sort of negligence and disregard. :-(
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