Everyone knows clinton street baking and jacks wife freda but weekend waits on the lower east side are insane. Same places on wednesday mornings? Walk right in.

Or find spots equally good but less hyped. Sunday in brooklyn (williamsburg) has better ricotta pancakes than clinton street honestly. Take the l train to bedford avenue. French louie in boerum hill does solid brunch with backyard seating.

Most weekend brunch places serve identical menus friday mornings without crowds. Just wake up before noon for once (easier said than done in this city).