06/01/2026
Brunch at Cafe d’Alsace on the Upper East Side was a tale of two experiences: excellent cocktails and an average brunch ex*****on.
I started with The Traveller “American” Coffee, a boozy blend of Traveller Whisky, double espresso, and a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream float. This was everything a brunch cocktail should be: rich, warming, slightly indulgent, and balanced enough that neither the whiskey nor coffee dominated the experience.
My wife ordered the La Marzocco Martini, featuring vanilla vodka, Lucano Caffe, demerara, and tiger stripe espresso. Smooth, slightly sweet, and beautifully presented, it delivered the same quality you’d expect from a dedicated cocktail bar rather than a brunch spot.
The drinks were unquestionably the highlight of the meal.
For brunch, I ordered the Omelette Lorraine. The ingredients themselves were fresh and high quality, but the dish felt like it lacked cohesion. The fillings seemed somewhat haphazardly assembled, and the overall seasoning was surprisingly restrained. That said, the restaurant was packed and clearly operating at full speed during brunch service. One meal is not enough to make a final judgment, and based on the quality of the ingredients and cocktails, I’d happily give it another shot.
Sometimes a restaurant earns a second visit not because it nailed every dish, but because you can see the potential.
☕ The Traveller “American” Coffee: 9.2/10🍸 La Marzocco Martini: 9.1/10🍳 Omelette Lorraine: 6.8/10🥂 Beverage Program: 9.2/10⭐ Overall Experience: 8.2/10
