Over the past 15 years, the Meatpacking District has transformed from an industrial center of meat processing into a vibrant destination for nightlife, fashion, and dining.

Early mornings used to mean trucks loaded with sides of beef and butchers grabbing a quick bite and burnt coffee from nearby greasy spoons. Today, those same streets are filled with clubgoers looking for their rides home after a long night out.

As the neighborhood changed, high-end restaurants and lounges moved in. Most of them focused on late-night fare and fancy cocktails. Breakfast felt like an afterthought for a while. A lone coffee cart or bagel stand might’ve been your only shot at a morning bite.

However, then came the High Line. With it came a new wave of residents and visitors who weren’t just chasing nightlife—they wanted good food, earlier in the day. Not just any meal, but a proper breakfast—the kind that starts the day right, without the disco ball or bottomless mimosas.

A True Taste of the Meatpacking Districts: Breakfast Takes the Spotlight

The Meatpacking Business Improvement District stepped in with a bold idea—Battle of the Breakfast. This one-night event gathered top restaurants from the area to showcase their best breakfast and brunch dishes, even though it was all served up at dinner time.

Sixteen contenders competed across three categories: People’s Choice, Judge’s Favorite, and Most Unique Dish. The results? A stacked lineup of standout bites that proved breakfast really is the best meal of the day.

Here are some of our favorite dishes from the event, and why they’re worth seeking out the next time you find yourself in the Meatpacking Districts.

Pain Perdue & Doughnut

 

 

  • Pain Perdue & Doughnut

Colicchio & Sons (Judge’s Favorite) – Permanently Closed

This dish hit every note. Their brioche Pain Perdue, drizzled with smoked maple syrup and bourbon butter, melted in your mouth. Colicchio & Sons also served a mini doughnut on the side for an extra layer of fun and flavor. Rich, buttery, and balanced—this was a top pick all around.

 

Mini Doughnuts

 

 

  • Mini Doughnuts

Doughnuttery (People’s Choice Award)

These rainbow-sprinkled, sugar-dusted minis were the definition of snackable. With quirky names and unique sugar blends, Doughnuttery delivered pop-in-your-mouth bites that were a clear crowd favorite.

Pigs in a Blanket

 

 

  • Pigs in a Blanket

Bubby’s High Line (Most Interesting Dish)

This version of pigs in a blanket wrapped juicy pork sausage in a sourdough pancake then topped with wild blueberry maple compote. What made it even better? The sourdough starter has been passed down from the Klondike Gold Rush in 1890. Bubby’s didn’t just serve a dish. They served a story.

The Farmhouse

 

 

  • The Farmhouse

BEC – Permanently Closed

When your named after a breakfast staple, you better bring your best to the plate! Their Farmhouse sandwich came packed with an over-medium egg, crispy pancetta, ricotta, spinach, fig jam, and honey on a Pugliese roll. Morning or night, this one hits.

Avocado Toast

 

 

  • Avocado Toast

Soho House NY

Who could go wrong with Avocado toast? Nothing if it’s made by the Soho House! Crispy sourdough, smooth avocado, lemon and chili oil, and a quail egg on top—Soho House turned a classic into a one-bite knockout. Clean, flavorful, and fresh.

Fried French Toast

 

 

  • Fried French Toast

Fig and Olive

Deep-fried French toast served with fig purée and fresh whipped cream? It’s hard to go wrong with that combo. Every bite was rich and satisfying.

Pandoro French Toast

 

 

  • Pandoro French Toast

Giovanni Rana Pastificio e Cucina – Permanently Closed

Soft, warm, and spongey, this Pandoro French Toast came topped with berries and honey. This Italian twist on a breakfast favorite felt simple and comforting in the best way.

Huevos Rancheros

 

 

  • Huevos Rancheros

Bodega Negra at the Dream Downtown

These huevos rancheros were nothing short of flavorsome. This flavorful plate stacked black beans, avocado, a sunny-side-up egg, and queso fresco on a crisp tortilla. It looked good and tasted even better—layered and clean without the mess.

Leek & Spinach Frittata

 

  • Leek & Spinach Frittata

The Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum’s signature restaurant presented its leek and spinach frittata with feta and dill. These creamy, chilled mini frittatas came with feta and dill and made for a great little bite. Balanced and easy to eat, they looked as good as they tasted.

PB&J Yogurt Shake

 

 

  • PB&J Yogurt Shake

Creamline – Farm to Tray

Creamline constitutes the go-to breakfast spot! They brought something completely different to the table—a peanut butter and jelly yogurt shake. Unique, flavorful, and a total standout.

 

Besides, to wash down all these eggs and sweets, it was awesome to have an assortment of beers from Six Point Brewery and Petite bottles of Champagne from Chandon!

The Meatpacking Districts aren’t just about fashion, nightlife, or late-night eats anymore. Events like Battle of the Breakfast prove that the neighborhood has a growing appetite for great morning meals. The chefs are more than up to the challenge. From reimagined classics to bold new bites, breakfast has found a home here.

Foods of New York Tours has spent over two decades exploring New York City’s best neighborhoods and most delicious local stops. We offer food and cultural walking tours through places like the West Village, Chelsea Market, Nolita, Chinatown, and of course, the Meatpacking District.

Our tours are all about real stories, local flavors, and the hidden gems that make NYC so special.

The next time you’re in the Meatpacking Districts, don’t wait for dinner—breakfast might just be the best thing on the menu. Join us today.