A highly popular, compact Australian-style brunch restaurant with excellent coffee and frequently praised food, but expect queues, small tables, firm seating policies, and a roughly $42 full-meal spend before drinks and tip.
In Common NYC delivers strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like French toast, avocado toast, and shakshuka, paired with fast, attentive service that keeps the brunch experience moving. The bright, welcoming design and convenient Ninth Avenue location near Penn Station make it a reliable neighborhood favorite, though cramped seating and modest portion sizes prevent it from reaching the very top tier.
In Common is a bright, energetic Midtown breakfast room where the line is often part of the ritual. Guests describe queues that move surprisingly fast, polished coffee, and a warm neighborhood feel despite the Penn Station-adjacent bustle; one recurring impression is that the staff can turn a packed morning into a smooth, efficient start. The trade-off is physical: tables are small, the room can feel crowded, and outdoor seats inherit Ninth Avenue noise. The cooking is polished Australian-style brunch rather than plain diner fare. French toast, avocado toast, whipped ricotta toast, shakshuka, and specialty coffee are the reliable stars, with fresh, layered toppings and a few globally influenced touches. Most diners find the quality worth Midtown pricing, although the menu’s $14-$20 plates, modest portions, and firm one-food-item-per-person rule make it a poor choice for grazing, lingering over only coffee, or splitting a light meal. Families can eat well here: the menu includes familiar eggs, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, toast, and berries, and multiple reviews describe children enjoying the experience. But the restaurant is not especially forgiving of non-eating children, strollers, or slow starts; reviews and owner responses indicate that each seated guest is expected to order food. Arrive early with kids, order decisively, and do not treat this as a spacious family cafe.
Area vibe: Vibrant Midtown-adjacent dining and entertainment district popular with locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe with active streets and nightlife but can be busy; stay aware late at night.
What's nearby: Near Hudson Yards, Penn Station, high-rise offices, theatre district and numerous restaurants on Ninth and Ninth Ave corridors.
Start with the French Toast, Avocado Toast, or Whipped Ricotta Toast, then consider which specialty coffee and portion trade-off fit your meal.
Plan for a potentially fast-moving line, compact seating, and a one-food-item-per-person rule that makes casual coffee stops and non-eating children difficult.
The polished cooking and coffee can earn the Midtown prices, though modest portions and required food orders make the bill feel steep for light eaters.