American restaurants

Clinton St. Baking Company

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, United States $20–30
4.4
6,267 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s Lower East Side, Clinton St. Baking Company is a beloved American restaurant and bakery that has earned its stellar reputation as a premier destination for breakfast, brunch, and casual takeout fare. This cozy yet vibrant spot is famous for delivering an exceptional dining experience that perfectly balances comfort and culinary artistry.

The cuisine here is quintessentially American, with a creative twist that elevates familiar favorites to unforgettable heights. Most acclaimed are their pancakes, with both locals and visitors raving about their fluffy texture and delicate crispness. Whether it’s the classic blueberry pancakes that feel light as a cloud with juicy bursts of fruit or the indulgent apple pie pancakes featured during the celebrated Pancake Month, each bite is a symphony of flavors. Served with their addictive homemade maple butter sauce, these pancakes create a comforting yet sophisticated taste sensation that lingers lovingly on the palate.

Beyond pancakes, the menu offers a rich variety of options that showcase the same devotion to quality and originality — from crispy Chicken and Waffles that marry savory and sweet with just the right crunch, to savory bites like potato pancakes (latkes) and cream cheese plus strawberry biscuits. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and an evident passion for flavor and texture, turning every visit into a delightful culinary journey. Hot chocolate and expertly brewed coffee complement the hearty dishes perfectly, warming you from the inside out.

The atmosphere in Clinton St. Baking Company is bustling and spirited, reflective of its popularity among New Yorkers and tourists alike. Despite the inevitable crowd—often a sign of genuine affection for the place—the wait times are usually short, and the welcoming staff ensures the experience remains pleasant. The space offers ample indoor seating where you can soak in the cozy ambiance, savor robust aromas of baked bread and freshly brewed coffee, and watch the lively flow of the city outside.

While parking in the area may present challenges, with no street parking available, a nearby garage makes access manageable, easing the stress of visiting this gem. Whether you’re in for a leisurely weekend brunch, a quick takeout to fuel your day, or a decadent dessert treat, Clinton St. Baking Company promises consistency, high quality, and a mouthwatering taste of New York’s bustling culinary scene.

In sum, Clinton St. Baking Company doesn’t just serve meals—it crafts memorable morning moments and comforting indulgences that keep guests returning time and again. If you find yourself craving pancakes that redefine perfection or a brunch spot that stands out in a city full of options, this is unquestionably a destination to savor.

03 Notes from regulars

6,267 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.4
Based on 6,267 verified notes
5 4,266
4 1,298
3 524
2 180
1 272
All
Janine Fredette.
3 month ago
Amazing breakfast choices. The pancakes may be the best I've ever had. Only downfall is how crowded this place is. I'd still go back though. Love love love!
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Nick Burns.
4 month ago
Delicious breakfast. We got the hot chocolate, coffee, cream cheese + strawberry biscuit, potato pancakes (latke) , and the amazing blueberry pancakes. Everything was soo good. There were a lot of people waiting but it was a short wait for 2 people at the counter. Well worth the visit
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Dante Sprott.
4 month ago
I recently visited Clinton St. Baking Co. during their highly anticipated Pancake Month to finally try the famous apple pie pancakes ….and they did not disappoint! Since it’s located right in the city, parking can definitely be a challenge. There’s no street parking, but thankfully there’s a garage close by, which made things much easier. This location is smaller compared to their Clinton St. Baking Company - DUMBO location, and you can definitely feel the difference. It’s a tight space, but still cozy and welcoming in its own way. Even though it was packed, the service was impressively fast. The staff kept things moving smoothly, and we didn’t feel rushed. Now for the food, absolutely amazing. My husband and I both ordered the same meal: the apple pie pancakes (of course!), eggs with cheese, and chicken sausage. I paired mine with a fresh-squeezed orange juice, while he enjoyed a mimosa. The pancakes were delicious!!! Fluffy, flavorful, and everything you’d expect with a Pancake. I do wish there had been a few more apples in the topping, but honestly, it was still so good that I can’t complain much. The bill was very reasonable for the quality and portions we received, especially in NYC. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’ll definitely continue to be a supporter. If you’re a pancake lover, this spot is always worth the visit!
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Ankit Alkunte.
4 month ago
If there’s one NYC spot that truly lives up to its breakfast reputation, it’s Clinton St. Baking Company. I finally tried their famous pancakes this weekend, and let me tell you.. they deserve every bit of the hype. Fluffy, lil crispy on outside, and served with their homemade maple butter sauce that’s honestly addictive.. it’s what makes this dish so uniquely delicious. We also ordered the raspberry yogurt cupcake (light, tangy, and perfectly balanced) and their fried chicken, which was crisped to perfection with a beautiful honey dressing and some hot sauce that tied everything together. Every bite felt like comfort food done right. Simple ingredients, but executed flawlessly. The best part? Despite it being a weekend morning, I didn’t have to wait in the infamous line (which can get really long). I booked ahead on Resy, and it made the experience seamless, definitely recommend doing that if you’re planning a visit. Bottom line: come hungry, book ahead, and don’t skip the pancakes. They might just be the best in NYC
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Adriana De Pitkin.
4 month ago
Hands down one of the best brunch places in NY! We been coming here for years and is always consistent! The food is delicious with great quality and the cappuccino always on point! Our favorites are the Blueberry Pancakes (super fluffy), Chicken and Waffles (crispy) and the Special Waffle with the seasonal fruit (fresh). The Maple Butter is a perfect combination! Plenty of indoor seating. Service is always excellent and efficient! Staff always friendly! Also, make a reservation it gets really busy specially on the weekends. Highly recommend it!
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Panda Forest.
4 month ago
Bustling diner with excellent service and very reasonable prices. French toast is solid, but rest of food (country breakfast, latke eggs Benedict) average in New York. Latkes were frozen then cooked, eggs were cold, and potato cakes were super dry. They made another set and it was better but still not at Pastis level. Definitely very filling so don't over order food!
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Danial Akhtar.
5 month ago
Waiting time during public holidays can get crazy so be prepared. Nonetheless, the restaurant was really good. The service was top notch. Our server named Matthew was very kind and very informative and helpful. The food was so good. We had the buttermilk biscuit sandwich and also the pancakes with chocolate. It's really nice 100% would recommend.
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Skylar.
5 month ago
Food was good but definitely need a reservation, otherwise the wait time is insane, it's not worth the long wait. We ordered Spanish Omelette, chicken and waffles, and country breakfast, with a blueberry pancakes to share. The blueberry pancakes was so good. Not too sweet and just a hint of tart from the blueberry. The other dishes were good but nothing outstanding. Definitely get the blueberry pancakes.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Tuesday 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Wednesday 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday (today) 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Finding the door

4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

From the business
  • Identifies as women-owned
Service options
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Serves local specialty
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • No Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Organic dishes
  • Quick bite
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Usually a wait
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Free street parking
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
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