NYC- Sunday Brunch
 

We will be in NYC this weekend to see wicked and slava's snow show.
We are staying on West 57 street.
What are some ideas for sunday brunch?
Thanks
Melissa

It depends on how far you are willing to trek for that brunch.

The best ones are in the lower part of Manhattan.

We will be going to west 17th street that afternoon for slava's snowshow so it can really be anywear
melissa

Well, what I meant by Lower Manhattan extends into, at least, the Nolita Area.

Anyway, here are the places that we locals, as well as tourists who quest for good foods, would go for brunch:

Penelope (Lexington Aven and 30th Street) - Very casual restaurant with some good egg-based brunch items.

Balthazar (Spring St. near Broadway) – A French bistro with a lot of positive write-ups here and every food-related message boards. Very popular with locals and tourists, alike.

9th Street Market (9th Street between 1st and 2nd Aves.) – An under-the-radar from tourists, but always has loooooooong lines by locals waiting for a table in this very small, yet very cozy East Village restaurant. Excellent brunch specials that changes every week.

Prune (1st Street between 1st and 2nd Ave.) – Chef Gabrielle Hamilton is really quite good with her American-based cuisine. But, her Dutch Pancake is a favorite by most clienteles.

Clinton Street Baking (Clinton Street off E. Houston) – our favorite, as well as those of our friends. Their pancakes, French toasts and scones are raved about. Their provincial (some are Med/French-style) savory brunch/breakfast items are terrific – try their fried eggs, with chopped French bacon, asparagus and drizzled with truffle oil. Very looooong wait, unless you make it there early, but it's so worth it.

Blue Ribbon Bakery (Bedford St. off 7th Ave.) – a popular place for locals and visitors. IMHO, can be hit or miss ( I love their Sullivan Street restaurant).

These last 2 seem closest to wherever it is you plan on going to at 17th Street:

Gascogne (8th Ave, and 18th Street) – A popular French bistro among the locals in the Chelsea area. I’ve been there for a few dinners (good southwestern French foods - cassoulet !). I have not been for brunch but have heard god things from friends, especially about their $17 prix fixe.

Tia Pol (10th Ave bet. 22nd and 23rd Streets) – a terrific, imho the best, authentic Spanish tapas place in NYC. We were surprised to learn about their brunch offerings and decided to go a couple of weeks ago. It was quite good as their brunch dishes are rustic, plus they have some of the dinner tapas available, too.

Bon appetit!

You could go to Five Points which is at Lafayette and Great Jones. Not too far from Union Square which is where Slava's snow show is. but you should probably make reservations depending on what time you want to go to brunch. They have even published a brunch cookbook I think. Then after you eat, leisurely walk your way to Union Square.

We ate at The River Cafe for brunch this past Sunday and it was fantastic. Views, staff and food were all excellent.

The cafe is located just across the Brooklyn Bridge, with views of the city (and a distant view of the Statue of Liberty). Very safe and family-friendly environment.

Highly recommended.

Friend of a Farmer at 77 Irving Place & 19th Street is really good. It's about 3 blocks away from your theater. Their brunch is great, but you might want to make reservations.
http://www.friendofafarmer.com/

It's not near your theatre but you might want to try the Boathouse in Central Park which serves brunch weekends only. You have a gorgeous view over the lake and, if you're lucky, a NY gondolier will float by (no, I wasn't hallucinating). We had dinner there last night which was fabulous, creative American cooking, delicious.

On a totally different note, you might want to try EJ Luncheonette on Columbus Avenue and 81st Street - casual American food, especially the waffles and French toast. Prepare yourself for large crowds as it's very popular on weekends and they do NOT take credit cards.

I am not a NY local, but on visits I have enjoyed Felix in Soho, Cafeteria, and Cafe Habana (very casual though)

Artisanal
2 Park Avenue
http://www.artisanalcheese.com/restaurants.asp#bistro

Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave at 24th St.
http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/

You've gotten a lot of good recos. If you want to eat near your hotel:
>Brasserie 8 1/2 (at 8 1/2 west 57th st) has one of the few buffet brunches in NYC. (good) Details
http://tinyurl.com/naqww

>most brunch starts at noon. If you want to eat earlier, Norma's, in the Parker Meridien (west 58th) is famous for their breakfast/brunch.

>on 7th ave. & 17 st. is Cafeteria, open 24/7 and good place for brunch or breakfast.
http://www.cafeteria247.com/

Have fun at Slava's Snow Show - it's awesome!

Coffee Bar on Union Square West is very close to the Snow Show and has outdoor seating.

Friend of a Farmer is also great for brunch and right around the corner.