We are visiting NY in May and I have heard there is a pretty fun "brunch/cocktail scene" in the city. Any recommendations? We are staying at The Bowery but it doesn't have to be close by. Thanks.

Brunch can be a zoo in NYC. I do not know the cocktail scene but one of our favorites is Clinton Street Bakery who have finally added many extra tables.

http://clintonstreetbaking.com/

If you state where you're staying, you'll get suggestions close to your lodging.

The are staying at The Bowery which is on The Bowery and 3rd. Good thing they are not staying across the street at the WHit House.

Actually there are plenty in the immediate area-Bar Primi, Saxon & Parole, La Gamelle, and Il Buco.

France, you still alive?

Sorry…yes alive and back. IMDonehere thanks for all of the suggestions. I will check them out online. If you had to choose one that epitomizes NYC brunch, which would it be??

I am not a drinker, so you must take that into consideration. Brunch in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn is a big deal and the lines can be excruciating long.

Here is a list by Time Out NY. Needless to say, we have not been to many of them. But it will give you a wider variety of choices and prices, as we do not like to spend a lot of money for a couple of eggs.

A crazy place that is probably not on the list is Esperanto.

http://www.esperantony.com/menus/

Another is Russ and Daughters, the cafe.

http://www.russanddaughterscafe.com/

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/resta...h-in-manhattan

Balthazar and Prune are classic for brunch

Santina in Chelsea is newer. I've not been yet but reviews are good. Italian.

I would go to Estela.

IMDonehere thanks for the links.
ekscrunchy I will check out all four. You have been to Estela and love it?
We could do brunch for months with all of these ideas!! Thanks.

We started off looking for a bit more of the "party brunch" scene but after reading a bit, it looks like the party thing is a bit Vegas-y and over the top! Not really up for brunch in a bikini drinking straight from a bottle of rose!
I think we will go for a more neighbourhood vibe with fabulous food and a cocktail or two.

Santina in Chelsea is newer. I've not been yet but reviews are good. Italian.
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We went there and it was pretty good. We will not return using a reservation as they are one of those places who penalize for a no-show. We never double book, it is the principle.

I like Estela a lot but you should know that it is small and noisy.

IMD: How did they charge you? Did you book with OpenTable? (Just curious!)

When you reserve with most of the Major Food Group restaurants they ask for a credit card number.

We ate there because we just happened to be in the neighborhood and dropped in. It was new and did not know anything about it. We wanted to return with friends but because of the penalty, we chose elsewhere.

Sorry Eks. They charge $50 which they say they give to charity. I do not recall which on-line service I looked at. It could have been Major's directly.

I would not like that at all….I understand asking for it to confirm large parties but in any other case, it annoys me also.