New York | A Hidden Gem Brunch Spot That Outshines Trendy Cafes 🥞

I stumbled upon📍The Commerce Inn on the map. In the afternoon, it’s almost empty—a quiet, adorable little white house on the corner. The interior is super old-school (p7-9). They serve brunch every morning until the afternoon, offering a traditional and simple American + English breakfast vibe. Nothing too complicated, but everything looks hearty and delicious. Specials are written on a small blackboard, and at night, it transforms into a classic tavern. First, a personal disclaimer! I believe brunch doesn’t need to be overly complex. There’s not much room for innovation anyway—whether it’s traditional or fancy, as long as it’s simple, flavorful, and comforting, it’s perfect. Many trendy brunch spots in New York don’t impress me, and some popular ones I’ve tried don’t live up to the hype. But this place? It totally hit the spot for me! 🍽️ Farmer’s Breakfast Eggs + pea puree + fried potato strings + a small piece of bread. You can add bacon/sausage, and the eggs can be fried/scrambled/poached. I was drawn to their scrambled eggs—super silky, rich, and slightly custardy, melting in your mouth. Simple seasoning but so delicious (apparently, they share the same team as Buvette, but I found Buvette disappointing—maybe a quality control issue that day. The scrambled eggs weren’t smooth, lacked seasoning, had an eggy smell, and the bread was cold, dry, and overly chewy. Sorry for the comparison!). The pea puree is wonderfully sweet and fresh, with a slightly grainy texture. The potato strings are crispy on the outside but soft and tender inside. The combination of silky eggs, sweet peas, and savory potato strings is heavenly. The buttered toast is also fantastic. 🥞 Buttermilk Pancake The pancake was another reason I was drawn to this place. You can order a single piece, which is very solo-diner-friendly. It’s super soft and delicate, with a slightly crispy outer layer that melts in your mouth. A good pancake shouldn’t be dense or heavy, and this one is just perfect. The rich dairy flavor is delightful, though the maple syrup can be a bit too sweet. A stronger maple flavor would be even better. 🍩 Mochi Donuts These were complimentary after the meal. Even though I was already full, they caught my eye. The texture is a mix of chewy mochi and bread—fried but not greasy, with a satisfying bounce. Paired with coffee or tea, it’s perfect. The outer layer is coated with cinnamon sugar, fragrant but not overpowering, and a pinch of salt is the finishing touch! The slight saltiness cuts through the sweetness, making it addictive. The staff is also super friendly and lovely. I was stuffed, and the bill was only $30+—such a steal! #NYCFoodie #MyFoodDiary #WhatToEat #NYCLife #NYCFood #NYCRestaurants #NYCEats #Brunch #HiddenGemRestaurants