I've read here about an outdoors Sunday brunch here but I'm confused about which restaurant people are recommending. A website says the Grill is on a first-come-first-served basis for the rooftop and garden areas. The Cafe is outdoors and says "no reservations are needed." Yet most posts say to make reservations. Which one is right and how long would we have to wait if we went on a Sunday holiday weekend?

Also, thanks to everyone for help on the pre-theatre dinner. We booked Josephine's (although they wanted us to confirm once we are in the city - is that normal?).

The information you have relayed about Bryant Park Grill and Cafe does seem confusing. I'd play it safe and call for reservations.
As for Chez Josephine, yes, it is quite normal for you to reconfirm your reservation. (Actually, in New York you should always reconfirm. In fact, at some places you lose your reservation if you don't reconfirm.)

Howard, thank you so much. When I call, which restaurant (the Cafe or the Grill) should I ask for? Which do you like?

I called and here's the info for anyone else. Both the outdoor area of the Grill and the outdoor Cafe serve the same brunch menu. Neither takes reservations, it's first-come-first-served. Thank you Howard for the need to reconfirm tip!

In answer to your question, either outdoor area is fine. Should inclement weather be in the forecast, then call and make a reservation for the grill.