Robbing banks of Millennials to containing too many calories or fat (it’s the GOOD kind, OK?), avocado toast has received quite the press over the years. Despite its difficult-to-determine features and IMPOSSIBLE-to-determine ripening process, this basic breakfast has become an obligatory menu item at most of New York’s quintessential all-day destinations. The scene is saturated (not with fat, but options), so in order to stand out, you’ve got to spread that toast with more than just an avocado – these are my favorite ones, ranked by order.
Nomo Soho
Nomo Soho doesn’t care about the whole good-for-you-bad-for-you-fat debate, serving a big piece of crunchy toast with an even bigger smoosh of avocado. I’m pretty sure there’s two avocados on there, priced accordingly at $15 (broke, but living our best Instagram-worthy lives).
Address: 9 Crosby St, NY 10013
Cafe Colette
This cozy Williamsburg eatery takes a fusional approach to the American staple, scattering a generous guac-style mash of avocado with Japanese “furikake” seasoning. Expect a mix of toasted sesame seeds, crispy seaweed squares and a dash of vinegar, giving your avo toast an abundance of salty and smoky flavors.
Address: 79 Berry St, NY 11249
High St on Hudson
A Philly-born breakfast institution, this bakery-meets-restaurant pours its soul into stellar sandwiches, and for us, in need of something simple, avocado toast. Baking their bread in house, High St on Hudson’s variety is all about the base: a thin, French-style tartine provides the perfect bed for a lemony avocado spread.
Address: 637 Hudson St, NY 10014
Two Hands
Spice takes center stage at Two Hands’ avocado toast, which is jam-packed with exceptionally large chilli flakes alongside a sprinkling of flaky sea salt (just the right amount). Add a poached egg for optimal foodporn and pleasure.
Address: 164 Mott St, NY 10013
Gotan
This bad boy comes out with a chef-style knife in his body, proving some avocado toasts are a little more difficult to handle. A nutty cut of whole grain toast is piled high with every possible topping, including feta, cherry tomatoes, copious amounts of radish and sprouts, chili and lime juice. It’s undeniably fresh, flavorsome and filling.
Address: 130 Franklin St, NY 10013 (favorite location)
The Butcher’s Daughter
Stealing both your money and time, this avocado toast is served with a 30-min wait on the weekends. At first glance, it seems like a sad and unsatisfyingly amount of avocado, but then you taste the piquant punch of mustard seeds, citrus-y flavors from cilantro and lime; counterbalanced by a warm mix of curry spices. The Butcher’s Daughter chooses flavor above quantity.
Address: 19 Kenmare St, NY 10012 (favorite location)
Little Collins
Australian cafés are synonymous with avocado toast, and this Melbourne-inspired mainstay in Midtown does a smashing job (excuse the puns). A contrasting combination of textures, this creamy spread of avocado is covered in crunchy pumpkin seeds; infused with tiny-teeny pieces of feta; and spiced with chilli flakes. The friendly staff is an added bonus.
Address: 667 Lexington Ave, NY 10022
By Chloe
Besides the always-popular plant-based burgers and taco salads, By Chloe adjusts to the seasons for their avocado toast. A topping of vegetables ranges from sweet peas to cherry tomatoes and florets of cauliflower, but it’s always seasoned to perfection with an alarmingly addictive almond parm (I still don’t really know how they make vegan cheese, but I am so here for it).
Address: 185 Bleecker St B, NY 10012 (favorite location)
Bluestone Lane
Running a VERY close second, Bluestone Lane simply does a classic avocado toast oh-so well. Equal parts creamy and chunky, this smashed avocado unveils lemony and tangy flavors, thanks to a few pieces of feta, lime juice and – I’m guessing – a hot Australian guy bringing it all together like magic.
Address: 55 Greenwich Ave, NY 10014 (favorite location)
Blank Slate
The key to my heart will always be sweets, even when I’m trying to make adult-approved choices with healthy breakfasts. An unexpected turn on – what seemed like – a sad, savory morning, Blank Slate secretly infuses avocado with chili-spiked HONEY, which makes it slightly spicy but more importantly, irresistibly sweet. Now, THAT’s my kind of avocado toast.
Address: 121 Madison Ave #5, NY 10016
