Best of Brunch

Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a Marketing & Social Media Specialist. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John’s University and is active within her community as a writer and mentor. She enjoys cooking, traveling and singing in her Long Island-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by email at LISAVORYEATS@gmail.com.

There is nothing greater than waking up on the weekend and going to brunch. I’ve held this sentiment close to my heart since college, and luckily that hasn’t changed in 10+ years. Although the current restaurant landscape is a bit different than we’re used to, we can still dine out (if taking proper precautions) and enjoy a good meal.

My favorite brunch spots are individually categorized by mood – am I looking to sit down and enjoy a long morning with my fiancé? Am I on-the-go and needing a solid breakfast fix? Or, maybe I want to stay local and shamelessly enjoy wearing a pair of jeans and a baseball hat. There is something for everyone here.

Let’s start with on-the-go. My absolute favorite breakfast sandwich is from Southdown Coffee in Huntington. The “Famous Egg Sandwich”: two eggs on a roll, with bacon, cheddar, arugula, pickled onions, and tomato butter. It is truly the perfect egg sandwich, and pairs nicely with one of their coffee offerings. (Pro-tip: their breakfast tacos and burrito are also noteworthy. Give them a try!) If I’m not at Southdown, then I’m at Kerber’s Farm (also in Huntington). I adore their egg sandwich on the in-house buttermilk biscuit. It’s build-your-own, so I generally opt for sautéed onions, tomato, bacon, and cheddar. (Pro-tip: order some baked goods to go, they’re incredibly delicious.)

If I have some time to sit down, but still want to keep it casual, I choose Maureen’s Kitchen (Smithtown), Tim’s Shipwreck Diner (Northport), or Toast Coffeehouse (Port Jefferson). These places are near and dear to my heart because they offer a small-town feel, combined with no-frills food and great beverage options. I’ve been going to Maureen’s since high school. I always order the same thing: eggs, sausage, pancakes. Tim’s Shipwreck Diner is walking distance from my house, and it’s my absolute favorite breakfast burrito anywhere. Toast in Port Jefferson has an all-around great menu, and we love their cold brew coffee! (Pro-tip: go next door, and grab some donuts from East Main & Main on your way home.)

Now, if I’m trying to stray from my usual casual wear (which is rare these days), and maybe enjoy a bubbly beverage while eating my eggs, I’ll opt for The Shed (Huntington), Tullulah’s (Bay Shore), Verde Kitchen & Cocktails (Bay Shore), Rustic Root (Woodbury), or Salted. On The  Harbor (Northport). These hot spots are trendy with unique menu offerings and delicious cocktails. If I’m at The Shed, I get the breakfast bowl, complete with 2 poached eggs, avocado, home fries, spinach, onion, corn, jalapeño, and chipotle hollandaise. While enjoying the scene at Tullulah’s, I’ll get the avocado toast with pork belly, or Bahn Mi – house-smoked crispy pork belly, pickled vegetables, herb aioli on French bread. Across the street at Verde Kitchen & Cocktails, we love the Chilaquiles – sunny side farm eggs, corn chips, salsa verde, queso fresco, and onion. (Pro-tip: add carnitas, and ask for extra salsas on the side!)

On the North Shore, Rustic Root is one of my all-time favorites. We go family-style here and order the deviled eggs, crispy brussel sprouts, honey roasted wings, egg sandwich (with truffle and chive), and the grass-fed burger with French raclette cheese. (Pro-tip, add a side of the smoked slab bacon! And, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t fret – they have a wonderful assortment of options.) Last but not least, the local newcomer, Salted. On The Harbor – pumpkin pancakes, chicken & waffles, lobster benedict, and brioche French toast. (Plus the friendliest staff!) Need I say more?

Whether you’re dining in, taking out, carnivore, vegan, gluten-free, looking for a breakfast cocktail, bundling up for outdoor dining, etc. – these local establishments have something for everyone. Times may look a little different recently, but there’s nothing like a solid brunch to lift your spirits and bring some cheer.