Seemor
Citizens Of Soho, A Breakfast Restaurant & CafeBWorth Trying
201 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
· Restaurant, Cafe
· 4.7/5 Google (2866 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy Aussie-style brunch with standout waffles and bennies; service is warm but can be inconsistent at peak times and some dishes divide opinion.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Citizens of Soho delivers reliable brunch quality anchored by strong food quality—particularly celebrated waffles and cheddar-biscuit bennies—and warm, attentive service that keeps guests returning. However, inconsistent execution during peak hours, occasional cold dishes, and tight seating prevent grade A territory. The appealing SoHo location and destination-worthy brunch reputation make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood spots, though moderate review authenticity concerns add slight uncertainty to the assessment.
Restaurant Summary
A sunny slice of SoHo that feels warm and bustling, Citizens serves the kind of brunch people plan weekends around. Guests rave about waffles that are “light and buttery” and bennies on a cheddar biscuit, with many praising servers by name for genuine care. The cooking leans elevated brunch with Aussie accents, not fussy—think miso mushrooms, harissa chicken, and a veg-forward shakshuka. It is creative without being experimental, ideal for diners who want familiar comforts with bright flavors and good coffee. At peak hours the kitchen can lag, and a few bowls or toasts draw mixed notes, but the hits—waffles and bennies—earn their reputation. Families do fine here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like waffles, eggs, and biscuits. Space is tight and waits can be long on weekends, so earlier visits help. No kids menu is noted, but portion sizes and sides make sharing realistic.
At a Glance
- Waffles and biscuit-based bennies are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Friendly, named servers often elevate the experience
- Peak-time waits and occasional cold or delayed dishes
- Limited egg styles (poached or scrambled only) frustrate some
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Aussie-influenced brunch menu
- Signature cheddar biscuit bennies
- Standout Belgian waffle
What People Love
- Buttery, crisp Belgian waffle
- Cheddar biscuit eggs Benedict variations
- Welcoming servers who personalize visits
- Cute, lively SoHo cafe atmosphere
Points of Concern
- Operational hiccups at peak: long waits and occasional cold plates
- Eggs only poached or scrambled; requests for sunny or whites declined
- Portions can feel modest for the price on some items
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For innovation 7+ concern: Menu has creative accents; conservative palates may prefer simpler picks
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Order a waffle for the table to share, then a Benny as your main
- For lighter options, Shroom Shroom Bowl or Miso Chicken Bowl deliver flavor without heaviness
- Sides like bacon or cheddar biscuit round out smaller mains
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Casual birthday breakfast
- Coffee plus a light bite after shopping
- Out-of-towners seeking Aussie-style cafe vibes
Location Insights
Area: Trendy SoHo corridor with fashion retail, creative offices, and steady tourist foot traffic; brunch-centric weekends.
Safety: Busy, well-patrolled area with high foot traffic; typical urban crowding, generally safe.
Nearby: Near boutiques, cafes, and galleries; close to Nolita and Lower Manhattan subway lines.
NolitaNolita is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood with a strong emphasis on boutique shopping, artisanal eateries, and intimate dining experiences. The area attracts a hip crowd looking for unique culinary offerings and a lively yet cozy social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–16:00
Tuesday07:00–16:00
Wednesday07:00–16:00
Thursday07:00–16:00
Friday07:00–16:00
Saturday07:00–17:00
Sunday07:00–17:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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