Tribeca brunch classic w/ legendary pancakes & pies; underrated weeknight comfort food spot.
Bryan Kim reviews Bubby's, a Tribeca staple since 1990, known for its popular brunch and comforting American dishes like pancakes, biscuits, and burgers. It's also an underrated weeknight option.
Bubby's is a beloved Tribeca institution since 1990, celebrated for its popular weekend brunch that draws crowds with its fluffy pancakes and comforting American dishes. Beyond brunch, it's an underrated weeknight gem offering crowd-pleasing fare at neighborhood-friendly prices. While known for its rustic charm and extensive pie selection, some recent reviews suggest a potential decline in food quality.
Bubby's is an American comfort food restaurant, most famous for its brunch items, particularly its pancakes, biscuits, and home fries. While many rave about these staples, especially the fluffy pancakes and delicious compote, some diners have found the pancakes to be dense, bland, or overpriced. The hot chicken sandwich and burgers also receive positive mentions. The pies are a highly recommended dessert, though some reviews suggest they are served cold. There are also comments about inconsistent quality and a feeling of being a 'tourist trap' for some.
"Pancakes are frequently recommended, though opinions vary on their quality and value. The hot chicken sandwich, biscuits with gravy, burgers, and various pies (especially banoffee and peanut butter chocolate) are also highlighted as must-try items."
Customers generally have a positive view, often praising the pancakes, biscuits, and pies. However, some recent feedback indicates a decline in food quality and a perception of it being overpriced or a tourist trap.
Important Note
Some diners feel the restaurant has become overpriced and caters to tourists, leading to long waits. There are also mixed reviews regarding the consistency of food quality, with some noting a decline from previous years.
"Bubby's is recommended for pancakes, noting that it often has a line and suggesting an early visit."
Positive"Bubby's pies are listed as a favorite, if willing to travel to Manhattan."
Positive"The Pumpkin Praline pie from Bubby's is amazing, though adding more crushed pecan on top is recommended for enhanced taste and presentation."
Positive"This user suggests Bubby's as an option for apple pie."
Neutral"Bubby's was recommended for brunch after a City Hall wedding, with the commenter noting it's nice and opens early, though not upscale."
Positive"Bubby's is mentioned as a sit-down restaurant option in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca, East Village, or LES areas that is suitable for takeout."
Neutral"Bubby's is mentioned as a classic NYC spot where one can get good pancakes."
Positive"Bubby's is mentioned as a classic NYC spot where one can get good pancakes."
Positive"The user states that Bubby's root beer, and much of its food, is not very good."
Negative"The user comments that Bubby's root beer is 'silly good'."
Positive"Bubby's makes their own root beer, but it is not served on draft."
Neutral"This commenter found Bubby's pie crust to be greasy and the overall pie experience to be just okay. Specifically, the apple filling was not properly parcooked, leading to a mushy and powdery texture."
Negative"This commenter is considering Bubby's as an option, recalling positive experiences with it in the past."
Positive"The original poster was considering Bubby's as a brunch spot in Manhattan."
Neutral"The user suggests waiting only 15 minutes maximum at Bubby's, and only if ordering pancakes."
Neutral"The user expresses regret about waiting for an hour and 15 minutes at Bubby's, attributing it to friends' choices."
Negative"Bubby's is mentioned as a staple in FiDi with a cool vibe, though not Michelin-starred, and is a suitable lunch option."
Neutral"The 'Griddle special' at Bubby's was recommended as a pancake option."
Positive"The commenter highly recommends Bubby's for Thanksgiving dinner, stating they went every year while living in NYC and it's traditional."
Positive"The author found Bubby's to be overrated and very expensive, spending about $100 for banana walnut pancakes, a corned beef hash plate, and two coffees. Despite the cost, they acknowledged it was a fun experience."
Negative
