For many New Yorkers, dogs are more than pets; they’re family. They shape daily routines, influence weekend plans, and often determine where people choose to spend their time. Morning walks turn into social check-ins, chance encounters become friendships, and neighborhoods are defined as much by their dogs as by their residents. That reality inspired Aquarelle NYC to create DOGGIE BRUNCH, a monthly dining experience that brings people and pets together through food, familiarity, and a genuine sense of community.
Located in the East Village, Aquarelle has always embraced hospitality as something lived rather than staged. DOGGIE BRUNCH grew naturally from that philosophy. Instead of treating dogs as an afterthought or novelty, the restaurant built an experience around how its guests already live, sharing meals, conversations, and weekends with their pets at their sides.
From the beginning, DOGGIE BRUNCH was designed with intention. Rather than offering a token pet option or simply allowing dogs on the patio, Aquarelle, co-owned by Barış Koroglu, developed a dedicated canine menu in collaboration with rotating premium pet-food artisans. The goal was simple but meaningful: to ensure dogs were welcomed with the same care and consideration as their human companions.
The canine menu focuses on clean, dog-safe ingredients prepared with restraint and thoughtfulness. Approachable dishes like Peanut Butter Pancakes, Chicken & Cheese Waffles, and Fish & Sweet Potato Chips offer familiarity without excess. Comforting options such as Soup du Jour and Eggs à la Française bring warmth and balance, while treats like Puppacinos, Freeze-Dried Salmon Skin, and Shredded Chicken Breast in Pumpkin Sauce add a celebratory note. Everything is designed to feel indulgent yet responsible, playful yet grounded.
While dogs enjoy their own curated menu, human guests remain fully immersed in Aquarelle’s established brunch experience. Signature offerings anchor the meal, including a Classic Belgian Waffle topped with whipped cream and strawberries, the popular Jean Claude Burger, and the Turkish Breakfast, a Mediterranean-inspired spread rooted in generosity, shared plates, and bold flavors. The result is an experience where no one feels secondary, and nothing feels compromised.
The Jean Claude Burger itself carries a personal story. Named after NYC restaurant influencer Jean-Claude Langerholc, the dish reflects his enthusiasm for accessible, community-centered dining. The collaboration feels organic rather than promotional, reinforcing Aquarelle’s belief that dining culture is built through people, relationships, and shared moments. It’s a reminder that food scenes thrive when they stay human.
What truly sets DOGGIE BRUNCH apart is the atmosphere it creates. Dogs settle comfortably beside their owners. Conversations unfold naturally between tables. Strangers become familiar faces over time. The monthly cadence allows relationships to form without pressure, transforming a brunch reservation into something closer to a neighborhood ritual.
For many guests, DOGGIE BRUNCH becomes part of their routine, a reliable moment of connection in a city that rarely slows down. The experience encourages lingering rather than rushing, conversation rather than distraction. It’s a space where people feel comfortable showing up as they are, dogs included.
There’s also something quietly powerful about the way DOGGIE BRUNCH reflects modern urban life. As cities evolve, hospitality increasingly reflects how people live rather than how they’re expected to live. Aquarelle’s approach acknowledges that pets are central to emotional well-being, social connection, and daily joy, especially in a city as demanding as New York.
With its strong reception and growing following, monthly DOGGIE BRUNCHES are here to stay. Guests can follow Aquarelle on social media or check directly with the restaurant for upcoming dates and details, knowing each brunch will retain its welcoming, neighborhood-focused feel.
At its core, DOGGIE BRUNCH is about more than dining. It’s about belonging. And in New York — a city defined by constant movement, reinvention, and connection — that feeling is everything.
