Clinton Street Baking Company

Clinton Street Baking Company, located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is a cozy, sunlit American bakery and restaurant known for its warm hospitality and globally adored brunch. Founded in 2001 by chef Neil Kleinberg and writer-turned-restaurateur DeDe Lahman, the space began as a modest 32-seat café and has since expanded into a beloved culinary destination. The interior blends classic charm with comfort—bright and airy by day, intimate and softly lit by night—with banquettes that encourage shoulder-to-shoulder dining and a welcoming vibe from a staff that includes team members with over 15 years of tenure.

The menu is a celebration of eclectic American comfort food, drawing inspiration from the South, New England, Jewish New York, and Mexican and Southwestern traditions. Clinton Street is especially famous for its blueberry pancakes, which have earned accolades from New York Magazine and Time as the best in the city. The restaurant has been featured in numerous publications and ranked #1 in Poor Taste Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Brunch Spots in America.

Nearly everything is made in-house—from raspberry jam and brioche to corn tortillas and habanero hot sauce—using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. With international outposts in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Dubai, Clinton Street Baking Company has become a global ambassador of New York-style brunch culture.