Citizens of Soho - 201 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
A Taste of Australia in the Heart of SoHo:
Brunchin’ at
Citizens of SoHo 🌞✨
Whether you live for the NYC brunch scene, or looking for a place to unwind and dine then let me introduce you to your new obsession: Citizens of SoHo. Nestled in one of Manhattan's trendiest neighborhoods, This spot brings a slice of laid-back Australian café culture right to the heart of NYC!
The Vibe:
Laid back, yet lively
The minute you walk into Citizens of SoHo, you’re enveloped in a cozy yet energetic atmosphere. The airy space, with its high ceilings and minimalist décor, has that signature Australian charm—think clean lines, lots of natural light, and an inviting, community-driven vibe. Everyone is chatting, doing their own thing and enjoying every moment of their time. There’s something effortlessly cool about the way it blends both modern aesthetics and a casual, comfortable feel. Whether you’re perched at one of the large wooden tables, curled up on a cozy bar stool by the window, or seated at the marble countertop, you immediately feel like part of the neighborhood.
Don’t forget to snap a picture in front of their iconic ‘please tell me you have oat milk’ sign!
The Story Behind the Magic ✨
Founded in 2016, Citizens of SoHo set out with a mission to bring high-quality coffee to NYC, inspired by the Australian espresso culture that’s taken the world by storm. Known for introducing New Yorkers to the iconic flat white, this café has earned its spot in the city’s bustling brunch scene. It didn’t stop there—expanding beyond just coffee, they began crafting fresh, wholesome dishes that focus on quality ingredients and that signature Australian approach to brunch: a cultural moment, not just a meal.
In Australia, brunch is a chance to slow down, savor, and connect with friends over incredible food. At Citizens of SoHo, they’ve captured that spirit beautifully. From the moment you sit down, you’re invited to relax, sip, savor, and enjoy. It’s no surprise that Citizens of SoHo has quickly become a weekend staple for both locals and tourists alike.
The Menu: 🦘🍳
Now, let’s talk about the main event—the food.
If you're ready to indulge in a brunch that’s both decadent and fresh, this place has got you covered. Each dish is carefully crafted, with a focus on wholesome ingredients and big, bold flavors. Here’s a breakdown of some of the must-try items on the menu in my opinion:
Frozen Pineapple Margarita 🍍
If you’re a fan of tropical cocktails and missing the sweet heat in NYC, this is the drink you want to go with. Made with freshly pressed pineapple juice, this margarita is as fluffy as it is refreshing. It's a fun twist on the classic, and the texture? Unreal. Perfect for kicking off your brunch with a little extra flair.
Golden Hour 🌞
Let’s talk about this beauty.
A whipped orange juice cocktail with Tito’s vodka and Aperol—yes, you read that right. The orange juice is whipped to perfection, creating an airy, smooth texture that elevates this drink to a whole new level. You can taste the difference with every sip, and I’m telling you now, I wish I could have this every day.
Chai Latte 🤎
For those of us who can’t resist a warm, spiced beverage, the Chai Latte is a must. It's warm, cozy, and comforting with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. It’s the perfect drink to pair with a leisurely brunch when you need something that’s both satisfying and soothing.
BBQ Pulled Pork Benny 🍳🥓
I’ll just say it—this is brunch goals. The BBQ pulled pork is tender, flavorful, and sits perfectly atop a poached egg and chipotle hollandaise sauce that will have you swooning. With pickled red onions, avocado, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños on a house made cheddar biscuit, this dish is a hearty, savory masterpiece. The combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable, and it’s definitely one of the standout dishes.
Cheddar Biscuit Brekkie Sandwich 🧀🍳🥓
If you’re in the mood for something a little more handheld, the Cheddar Biscuit Brekkie Sandwich is calling your name. A soft, fluffy cheddar chive biscuit holds together creamy scrambled eggs that are fluffy like pillows, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a house-made tomato chutney that’s just the right amount of tangy-sweet. It’s everything you love about a classic breakfast sandwich, but with an Aussie twist that makes it extra special. (I did ask for the chutney on the side and it did come on the brekkie sandwich but! I am glad it did because it was so delicious and just the push I needed to give the texture combo a try.)
Double Stacked Belgian Waffle 🧇✨🫐
What’s brunch without something sweet? This double-stacked Belgian waffle is what dreams are made of. House-baked waffles, stacked high, topped with maple butter, blueberry compote, oat crumble, mascarpone, and cacao—this dish is as indulgent as it gets. Rich and sweet, it’s the perfect treat to share (or not!) and the ultimate sweet ending. The mascarpone in the middle is to d*e for.. literally. I need it bottled, in a jar so I can spread it on a muffin every single morning.(or eat it straight out the jar, that works too..)
A Slice of Banana Bread 🍌
Of course, no Australian-inspired café would be complete without a slice of perfectly moist banana bread (I did my research!). Made with kindness, smiles and love (I assume, the waiter was so pleasently xcited togive it to us!) It’s simple, it’s comforting, and it’s utterly delicious. Shout out our waiter Oliver for the spontaneous slice of banana bread.
“Full as a goog!”
If you’re craving a brunch experience that’s not just about food, but about savoring the moment, Citizens of SoHo should be at the top of your list The staff is just as kind as the food is tasty, making the experience that much more better.
Gather your friends, book a table via Resy, and get ready for a brunch that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling. Cheers, mates! 🦘✨
Locations:
Citizens of SoHo
is located at
201 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012,
open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM (5 PM on weekends).
And if you're ever in the Chelsea area, don’t forget to check out their other location at 401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001—same vibe, different location.
Fun Fact: Aussie Coffee Culture in NYC! 🇦🇺☕️
Did you know that Australia has one of the most sophisticated coffee cultures in the world? Espresso-based drinks like the flat white were popularized in Australia before making their way to the U.S. So, when you’re sipping on that perfectly crafted cup of coffee at Citizens of SoHo, you’re getting a taste of authentic Aussie coffee culture—right here in the heart of New York.
