I really love food. No, really. Breakfast food is one of the best things on the planet and, honestly, I could do without lunch – sandwich shmandwich is what I always say. That’s why I feel brunch was made especially for me. And, who doesn’t want a refreshing cocktail with their Bennys? Thankfully, I live in New York City. As they say – If you can’t find a good brunch here, you can’t find one anywhere.
Picking brunch places in New York City can be an Olympic sport if you let it. No one wants to waste precious time and energy on bad brunch. With all the options out there, you shouldn’t have to. In Brooklyn these days, a restaurant not serving brunch on the weekends is akin to wearing white after Labor Day. It’s just not done.
How do you make this most important of decisions? I’ve picked 4 brunch spots in 4 neighborhoods for a gastronomical tour of New York City. Because, what better way to tour New York than by your stomach? These aren’t necessarily the ones you’ll find on all the lists, but they each have something special.
We’ll start at our northern most spot – Bar Six on 6th Ave and 12th Street. The first several times I came to Bar Six it was in the evening for dinner or drinks or both. I happened by it one night while waiting for my movie to start at the Quad down the block. Then I had a free morning one day and thought, why not try it out for brunch. I’m so happy I did.
The ambiance is classic French bistro with Moroccan influences. I absolutely love the vibe here, day or night. It’s laid back European feel is a rare thing in New York City. If you go on any given morning, you’re sure to see regulars sitting at the bar leisurely sipping their coffee while reading the newspaper. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a cafe in Paris momentarily. There’s no to-go coffees and running off to work. I long to start all my days this way.
When I go, I love to grab one of the small 2 seater tables by the window in the bar area so I can look up from my book and watch the life go by on 6th Ave. I’ve tried several of the breakfast options on the menu, all very good but you can’t go wrong with their Eggs Benedict. After your meal, you can work it off with a walk down to Washington Square Park.
Next we’ll head down to Prince Street to Little Prince in the West Village. It’s a charming little French bistro with a clean, chic design and floor to ceiling windows. But,I’ve gotten ahead of myself. As you approach, the storefront is completely decked in florals and greenery. A few little bistro tables sit outside waiting for the warm weather to return.
The fare is simple French food but the quality is anything but simple. On the menu are delicious options like French Omelette and Baked Eggs. They do offer brunch cocktails but in terms of beverages, I love their tea selection. They offer an assortment of Harney and Sons teas and each is brewed and served in its own special carafe.
It gets quite crowded on the weekends for brunch, so a reservation is recommended. Be advised, they won’t seat you until your entire party is present so you may need to wait a bit and the restaurant is small and bustling but the environment is pleasant so the wait isn’t that bothersome.
There’s nothing quite like the Lower East Side of Manhattan on an early Sunday morning, so sleepy and peaceful. It’s a good thing that’s where we are headed next, to Freemans. Down an unassuming alley on Rivington are the alluring blue door and string lights. Within the restaurant, room after room after room greet you, each more lovely than the last. This is what all the other brunch spot aspire to be.
It’s a good place to meet friends or meet people for the first time for that matter. The environment is so warm and welcoming. Let’s get to the main attraction, though – the food. Perfectly cooked eggs in a skillet with spinach in a tomato red pepper sauce with warm crusty bread on the side. Some other options are a Duck Hash and a Full English Breakfast. They have a host of wonderful breakfast cocktails to pair with your brekkie.
Full disclosure – I was disappointed in their lack of non-dairy options to accompany coffee and tea. Only because I can’t consume dairy, unfortunately. What they lack in non-dairy they more than make up for in the Bloody Mary selection. So, it’s a trade off and it’s one I can live with.
Finally, we’re heading to Brooklyn to the gastropub that’s name asks the ultimate question, J’eatjet? The answer is a resounding “NO” because that’s why you’re here. I discovered this wonderful gem in South Slope the day I went to pick up the keys to my apartment. After checking the apartment out and measuring, we headed out to find some much needed sustenance and stumbled upon J’eat.
This cash only spot is popular not only with locals in the hood but beyond. People start waiting outside prior to its 11am opening time. This is undoubtedly due to the food but also a teeny tiny part to the fact that it’s actually a very small space. They do have a back garden which is a great option and lovely in the warmer months.
As to be expected from a Brooklyn establishment, it’s oh so hip, complete with blackboards on exposed brick walls serving as menus, but not in an obnoxious way. This cozy, warm and friendly place offers fun menu choices like brunch poutine and waffle burger. Start with the French toast bites with seasonal cream cheese, you won’t regret it. Though everything on the menu, even the items whose flavor combination you think could not possibly work, is solid, I would go for the pancakes. They are the best I’ve ever had, hands down. They offer a bottomless mimosa to wash it all down at an absolute bargain of $20!
Well, I officially can’t wait for the weekend! The only questions are – where will I go to eat and what will I have? These are good problems to have! Are you a brunch fiend like me? Where are your favorite places? Leave a comment – I’d love to hear all about them and maybe add them to my list!
Until next time – cheers!
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
