French toast sticks have steadily gained popularity as a delightful breakfast option, transcending the boundaries of classic brunch fare. In New York City, known for its eclectic culinary landscape, enjoy these golden, crispy delights that are often served with a side of syrup or an innovative twist. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, custard-soaked bread, encased in a delicate layer of crunch, all while sipping on artisanal coffee. As you embark on this gastronomic quest through various neighborhoods, prepare for a culinary journey that promises not just a treat for your taste buds but also a shift in perspective on what breakfast can be. Here are ten locations across the city where you can tantalize your senses with irresistible French toast sticks.
1. The Smith
Address: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Contact: (212) 496-5500
Website: www.thesmithrestaurant.com
Nestled in the heart of the Upper West Side, The Smith offers a vibrant atmosphere alongside its scrumptious French toast sticks, dusted with powdered sugar and served with a delicate maple syrup. The convivial ambiance and the exquisite detail in presentation make each bite not just a meal but an experience, inviting guests to linger and savor every moment.
2. Balthazar
Address: 80 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-1414
Website: www.balthazarny.com
A staple of SoHo, Balthazar’s French toast sticks are a sophisticated take on a classic treat. Often infused with hints of vanilla and served with seasonal fruit compote, every bite brings a burst of flavor. The lively French brasserie ambiance transports you to Paris, encouraging the art of indulgent breakfasting along the bustling streets of Manhattan.
3. Egg Shop
Address: 151 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 387-3641
Website: www.eggshopnyc.com
In Williamsburg, Egg Shop serves up a versatile menu, and its French toast sticks have quickly become a beloved favorite. Featuring a creamy custard mixture with cinnamon, the sticks are accompanied by house-made maple syrup. The playful environment invites creativity, proving that breakfast doesn’t have to be confined to the morning hours.
4. Sarabeth’s
Address: 40 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
Contact: (212) 828-5048
Website: www.sarabethsrestaurants.com
Sarabeth’s, located near Central Park, is renowned for its breakfast offerings. Their French toast sticks embody a perfect balance of softness and crust, often paired with fruit preserves and whipped cream. With an elegant décor and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here, fading into a world of culinary bliss.
5. The Pancake Factory
Address: 18 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
Contact: (212) 388-0040
Website: www.thepancakefactorynyc.com
A haven for pancake aficionados, The Pancake Factory’s innovative take on French toast sticks features cinnamon granola crust. This unique texture provides a crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft interior. Pair it with a variety of syrups or fresh fruit toppings for a breakfast that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
6. Sweet Chick
Address: 164 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: (718) 384-4826
Website: www.sweetchick.com
Sweet Chick, located in Williamsburg, features a menu inspired by Southern comfort food, and their French toast sticks are no exception. Perhaps best known for their buttermilk batter, each stick offers a gentle sweetness, perfectly paired with rich maple syrup. This cozy eatery emanates warmth, fostering a sense of community over shared discussions and plates.
7. Jack’s Wife Freda
Address: 224 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 206-6900
Website: www.jackswifefreda.com
A cultural blending of flavors, Jack’s Wife Freda is a charming establishment in Greenwich Village. Their inventive take on French toast sticks, often infused with ingredients like challah and served with tahini, provides a unique Mediterranean flair. It’s a delightful testament to how this comfort food can transcend traditional boundaries, enticing adventurous diners.
8. Café Mogador
Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 677-2220
Website: www.cafemogador.com
In the vibrant East Village, Café Mogador offers Moroccan-inspired dishes alongside French toast sticks that are indeed a culinary delight. Their version, often topped with honey and almonds, is a sweet ode to cultural fusion, inviting diners to explore new flavor profiles while enjoying a dish that feels familiar yet exciting.
9. The Butcher’s Daughter
Address: 19 New Kings Rd, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 228-2022
Website: www.thebutchersdaughter.com
Famed for its plant-based menu, The Butcher’s Daughter presents an innovative French toast stick that leverages robust flavors and clean ingredients. This location in the West Village consistently draws a health-conscious crowd. Each stick drizzled with nut-based sauces evokes not just a meal but an awakening in taste and health.
10. Momofuku Noodle Bar
Address: 171 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 777-7773
Website: www.momofuku.com
Located in the East Village, Momofuku Noodle Bar is known for culinary innovation. Their interpretation of French toast sticks melds traditional breakfast components with Asian influences, serving them with a unique dipping sauce that elevates the dining experience to an audacious new level. Each bite ensures a culinary exploration that lingers in memory long after the meal has ended.
Whether you find yourself in the buzzing streets of Manhattan or the artistic enclaves of Brooklyn, these French toast sticks beckon you to embark on a delectable odyssey. Each restaurant provides not merely sustenance but an invitation to rethink dining, pushing the boundaries of a traditional breakfast. So take a moment, gather friends or family, and relish the simple yet profound joy that French toast sticks can offer. You may discover a newfound appreciation for this breakfast staple and the magic it brings to your dining experience.
