You’ve seen the stack.
The pancakes at Sunday in Brooklyn Williamsburg are basically the North Star of New York City brunch culture. They are thick, malted, and drenched in a brown butter praline sauce that looks like it should be illegal. But here is the thing: everyone else has seen them too. If you just roll up to South 2nd Street at noon on a Sunday hoping for a quick seat, you’re going to be disappointed. You’ll be standing on the sidewalk for two hours, watching people take photos of their cocktails while your stomach growls loud enough for the neighbors to hear.
Williamsburg has changed a lot, but the magnetism of this specific corner hasn't faded. It’s a vibe. It’s three floors of sun-drenched wood, open kitchens, and a rooftop garden that makes you feel like you've actually succeeded at adulthood. But navigating it requires a bit of an insider’s playbook.
Why Sunday in Brooklyn Williamsburg Isn't Just for Sundays
The name is a bit of a trick. While it captures that specific, lazy "day of rest" energy, the restaurant is a powerhouse every day of the week. Honestly, if you can swing a Tuesday morning, do it. The light hits the dining room just as well, and you won’t have to fight a line of influencers for the best booth.
Established by Adam Landsman and Todd Enany—both veterans of the Major Food Group empire—the spot was designed to be a neighborhood hub. They brought in Chef Jaime Young, formerly of the Michelin-starred Atera, which explains why the food is so much better than it technically "needs" to be for a trendy brunch spot. Most places with this much hype coast on their looks. Sunday in Brooklyn doesn't.
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The Pancake Reality Check
Let’s talk about those pancakes. They’re called the Sunday Pancakes. You can get a single, a double, or a triple.
Don't get the triple.
Unless you are sharing with four people, the triple is an exercise in hubris. These aren't your grandma's thin flapjacks. They are dense, cake-like, and the hazelnut maple praline is incredibly rich. One or two is usually the sweet spot. The texture comes from a malted batter that gives it a nostalgic, toasted flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you understand why people wait in the rain.
Beyond the Viral Hits: What to Actually Order
While the pancakes get the headlines, the savory menu is where the kitchen's pedigree really shows. The Don’t-Call-It-An-Egg-McMuffin (formally the Egg Sandwich) is a masterclass in balance. It uses gochujang mayo for a tiny kick, crispy potatoes, and an over-easy egg on a brioche bun. It’s messy. You will need napkins.
If you want something lighter, the grain bowls aren't an afterthought. They usually rotate based on what’s actually in season at the markets. A lot of people overlook the smoked salmon toast, too. It’s served on thick sourdough with pickled red onions and capers, and it’s arguably the most consistent thing on the menu.
The Cocktail Program
Most people think brunch drinks start and end with a Mimosa. At Sunday in Brooklyn, the bar program is actually sophisticated. They’re known for the Honey Bear on Holiday, which famously comes in a literal honey bear glass. It’s cute, sure, but it’s a legit drink with rum, amontillado sherry, apricot, pineapple, lime, and cumin. It sounds weird. It works.
- The Devil's Backbone: For those who want something spicy and stiff.
- The Sunday Bloody: A very savory, almost meal-like version of the classic.
- Coffee Service: They take their beans seriously here. It’s not just "diner coffee."
The Seating Scramble: A Survival Guide
Getting a table is the hardest part of the experience.
Reservations open up 30 days in advance on Resy. They go fast. Like, "concert tickets for a stadium tour" fast. If you’re planning a trip to Williamsburg, set an alarm.
If you strike out on a reservation, you have the walk-in option. Here’s the secret: go to the bar. The bar is full-service and usually has a much faster turnover. Also, the outdoor seating is heated in the winter, which most people forget. If you’re willing to sit outside in November, you’ll be eating pancakes while the "indoor-only" crowd is still shivering on the corner.
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The Different Zones
The restaurant is divided into distinct areas, each with a different feel.
The ground floor is bustling and loud. It’s where the action is.
The second floor is a bit more refined, with a beautiful view of the street below.
The rooftop is the crown jewel. It’s cozy, green, and feels like a private escape from the chaos of Bedford Avenue.
Williamsburg has Evolved, and So Has the Crowd
Ten years ago, this part of Williamsburg was still gritty. Now, it’s the epicenter of global "cool." When you sit at Sunday in Brooklyn, you’ll see a mix of local creatives, European tourists, and families from the Upper East Side who made the trek across the bridge.
It’s a fascinating place for people-watching. You’ll see deals being made, breakups happening over avocado toast, and at least three people trying to find the perfect lighting for their latte art. It represents the "new" Brooklyn—polished, expensive, but undeniably high-quality.
A Few Realities to Consider
Look, it’s not cheap. You’re going to spend $30-$50 per person for brunch if you get a drink and a main. And the service, while professional, is fast. This isn't a place where they want you to linger for three hours over a single cup of coffee. They have a line out the door; they need the table.
Also, it gets loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate place to discuss your philosophical differences with a friend, this might not be it. It’s a high-energy environment. It’s "theatre" as much as it is dining.
Technical Details for Your Visit
- Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249.
- Neighborhood: South Williamsburg (near the water).
- Best Transit: The L train to Bedford Ave or the J/M/Z to Marcy Ave. The NYC Ferry to North Williamsburg is also a great way to arrive if the weather is nice.
- Hours: They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner is actually underrated and much easier to get into.
Actionable Steps for Your Sunday Adventure
If you want to do this right without the stress, follow this checklist.
First, check Resy exactly 30 days before your desired date at midnight. If you miss that window, check the app again 24 hours before your visit; people cancel at the last minute to avoid the "no-show" fee.
Second, dress in layers. The walk from the subway can be windy, and the restaurant temperature varies wildly between the breezy rooftop and the steamy open kitchen downstairs.
Third, order for the table. Don't be the person who gets their own pancakes and tries to finish them alone. Get one order of pancakes for the group to share as a "dessert starter" and then get your own savory mains. It’s the only way to survive the sugar crash.
Finally, explore the neighborhood afterward. You’re right by Domino Park. Walk off those malted pancakes by the East River. The view of the Manhattan skyline from the park is one of the best in the city, and it’s completely free.
Sunday in Brooklyn Williamsburg isn't just a restaurant at this point—it’s a rite of passage. Whether it’s "worth it" depends on your patience for crowds, but the food itself rarely misses the mark. Just remember: get the double, not the triple. Your heart and your wallet will thank you.