After the big disappointment of Financier, I had to have a good breakfast! They say Clinton St. Bakery is one of the best. The place was opened in 2001 by owners who had the dream of creating the best baked goods in New York City. New York magazine votes their blueberry pancakes to be the best, while "Lonely Planet" says it is the best breakfast place in New York.
A bakery with the restaurant next to it, Clinton St. Bakery is one of those places that puts a smile on your face as soon as you walk in. So vibrant, lively and moving. The ambiance here is not one you experience every day. Black, red, and light wood, three colors decorate the restaurant, where half a dozen waiters wearing black attend to your needs.
I loved the space and was sure the food was going to be awesome.
Buttermilk biscuit sandwich, Spanish scrambled eggs, pancakes with warm maple butter and fried chicken waffle are the things I ordered out of many other mouth watering choices. Their smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict and Clinton Omelette will surely be on my list next time.
I arrived and entered the bakery shop. It was empty at that time! The man behind the bar informed me about he concept, their muffins and the restaurant next door. I went out and took the entrance next door.
I was still not eating, instead enjoying my coffee and waiting excitedly to plunge into the huge plates I'd spotted on the other tables. People talking, others laughing, waiters walking around, drinks being prepared behind the bar... it's fun in here.
Breakfast is served:
- Buttermilk biscuit sandwich: scrambled eggs, melted cheddar cheese, house made tomato jam with hash browns and bacon. OMG! Their crunchy, crispy, salty bacon is awesome! Two tender biscuits, one topped with scrambled eggs and the other with tomato sauce and decorated with bacon and hash browns on the side.
- Spanish scramble: three eggs, chorizo, tomatoes, caramelized onions, scallions, melted Monterey Jack, hash browns and sourdough toast. The real deal, a huge portion of scrambled eggs mixed with endless ingredients, some chewy others crunchy, two slices of bread and hash browns on the side. Loaded with flavors, enjoyably complicated, excellent hash browns: real skill with touches of love.
- Pancakes with warm maple butter: Wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut.
- Fried chicken and waffles: cage free breast with honey Tabasco sauce, a crispy Belgian vanilla buttermilk waffle, and their signature warm maple butter. A round plate, a round waffle topped with a couple of pieces of fried chicken served with sweet sauce on the side. Really special, totally different but good! I never imagined that I would appreciate such complicated American meals but the softness and crispiness of the waffles, and the sweetness of the bar sauce combined is exceptional.
They know what they're doing here! I am not a fan of hash browns yet I loved it. I didn't expect to enjoy chicken and waffles, but I did. I plunged into my egg plate ...
I loved it... I was smiling like a baby...
Best for last, the famous, much talked-about pancakes: fluffy pancakes, airy and soft like my hotel's pillow. Served hot and fresh, the pancakes are mixed with blueberries and topped with blueberry marmalade adding the sweetness you expect from a dessert. On the side is the signature maple syrup, a creamy kind of maple syrup I've never seen before. Add it to the pancake and enjoy.
It is indeed one of the best pancakes in New York but surely not better than the ones at St. Regis.
Good to know:
they only take cash. No credit card accepted. Be prepared.
After breakfast I passed by the bakery again; and tried their blueberry scone and a carrot cake which were both fresh, moist and full of flavor. A good bakery indeed.
A recommended breakfast place in New York; visit Times Square and Clinton St. Bakery when in Manhattan. It's a real American diner with fine touches.
