posted by Archana on Breakfast, Brunch, Comfort Food, Lower East Side, Vegging Out

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Only in New York City would people set their alarm for 8 a.m., put their name down for brunch at a restaurant and then go back to sleep until their name was called — two hours later.

Yes, such a place exists and it’s called Clinton Street Baking Company, the comfort food spot in the Lower East Side most famous for its long lines and buttermilk pancakes.

I’ve gone to this place multiple times (mostly when I’ve had a day off so I don’t have to wait more than an hour), but in a city where it’s a serious faux pas to venture to the same places all the time, Clinton Street has me coming back every time. Besides the awe-inspiring pancakes, I’m particularly obsessed with the story of its husband and wife owners.

You may think that like most hyped-up places, this place can’t be as good as the talk. But, no, everyone who’s been will tell you the pancakes. are. incredible. They’re just the right amount of fluff and paired with that warm maple butter, it can’t be beat. That being said, they do have other delicious options, morning, noon or night.

What’s in it for you: Buttermilk biscuit sandwich, brioche French toast, veggie sandwich (AMAZING), grilled pizza with onions, mushrooms, goat cheese and truffle oil

What’s in it for them: Smoked salmon Benedict, Spanish scramble with chorizo, spicy shrimp and cheese grits, black Angus cheeseburger, buttermilk fried chicken, market fish tacos

I don’t go to Clinton Street without getting pancakes:

I’m really not exaggerating when I say this is my favorite food item in New York City. The pancakes also come in a wild Maine blueberry flavor, but I just live for anything banana-related. OK, I’m salivating again.

Moving on, it was my two girlfriends and I at brunch, so to keep things balanced — that pancake plate is mighty filling — we also got huevos rancheros and the farmer’s plate:

The huevos came with guacamole, salsa and a (big) dollop of sour cream. Unless the egg soaks the tortilla, I’m not sure how huevos could go wrong. This was just right.

The farmer’s plate was a simple selection of scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, toast and cheese. Perfect for sharing!

And don’t let the restaurant’s comfort food push fool you; they’re big on fresh, local ingredients, which are more than evident in the taste, texture and presentation.

We went on a weekday at 11 a.m. and had to wait 30 minutes. But I’ve also waited more than an hour, and I can safely say: It’s totally worth it.

Clinton Street Baking Company
4 Clinton St. (between E. Houston and Stanton)
646.602.6263
F, V to 2nd Ave.