My husband and I will be in NYC from December 28th through January 1st. We are looking for an inexpensive place to eat breakfast (eggs, toast, etc.) within walking distance of our hotel, The Carlyle, on the Upper East Side. We may splurge and have brunch one day, but I am just wondering about a basic, quick breakfast that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

There are many very inexpensive breakfast places between the Park and Rockefeller Center.

I think Au Pain, etc.

They're almost cafeteria style. You pick out what you want and pay at the cash. Carry over to your table.

On Madison, between 76th and 77th, there are two or more typical "coffee shops". And, there's Sarabeth's at the Whitney.

For amazing quiche, head to Mon Petit Cafe at 62nd on Lexington.

As far as brunch is concerned you should realize it's almost always on Sun and frequently Sat - rarely available other days.

Agree the coffee shops on Madison are the only choices very close to the hotel. If you walk several blocks further east you'll find more of the same.

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant...uncheonette03/

Hit a bagel shop. They are everywhere and delicious.

Here you go. Pick-A-Bagel and H&H are my favorites on this list.

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants...ineid=8&home=Y

Inexpensive is a relative term. Understand you're staying in a very high rent district. There are a few coffee shops along Madison ave., one on 78th another on 79th st. and another on 82 st. My favorite is the one on 82 st.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...6&cuisineid=22

These are not as cheap as other diners in the city, but they're not bad and the food's good. Here's a link to the list of places in the east 70's.
http://menupages.com/restaurants.asp...antIds=&sort=2

The further east you go, the cheaper the prices get.

There's also a Le Pain Quotidien on Madison & 83-84 st. if you want pastry and coffee. Via Quadronno around the corner from your hotel is an Italian coffee bar with espresso and Italian breakfast stuff but it's quite pricey. Very good people watching though.

I suggest Norma's at the Parker Meridian Hotel. Its on 57th between 6th and 7th. Its one of the best in the city. Its a short cab ride away.

Norma's may be nice, but the poster specifically asked for "inexpensive", "quick", and not "costing an arm and a leg". It would be a big stretch for ANYONE to call Norma's inexpensive, even for New York.

Bacon and eggs are $18. OJ is $7. Coffee is $5. So for two, that alone would be over $75 with tax and tip. If you want the bakery basket to go with add another $16 or so.

Neils Coffee Shop would be more of what your looking for. Its on Lexington between 69th and 70th st.

Go to Three Guys across the street. I've stayed at the Carlyle for 30 years and Three Guys is the spot. Also, Sofia up the street has good fresh juice and muffins and coffee. It's pricey, but I love Eli Zabar's EAT further up Madison. Great bread basket, pancakes with raspberries, coffee, eggs.

OK, so this is not "inexpensive," but for your brunch splurge I can recommend, in addition to Norma's (a little sterile anyway) - Park Avenue Cafe.

Isnt Eli's on 3rd?

Pershing Square- directly across from Grand Central Terminal UNDERNEATH the Park Avenue viaduct/overpass. Very busy and very cool- the wait is not likely as you would think, given the crowds (it's a big space)

http://www.pershingsquare.com/

I also agree with Three Guys. A good, solid diner.

For bagels, there is a Pick-a-Bagel across the street from the entrance to the Lexington Avenue subway at 77th Street.

In addition to Le Pain Quotidien (not my fave), there is a Dean & Deluca on Madison around 84th street -- counter seats only for good espresso, latte, muffins, scones, etc.

For your "splurge" breakfast, I'd choose Sarabeth's at the Whitney.

check out
http://www.menupages.com/
It's got everything from starbucks and delis to fancy hotel restaurants. Just look for your neighborhood and you'll get more restaurants than you can imagine. Most have reviews and all have menus posted.