Recommend good, worthwhile NYC Brunch places? Please...
 

Hi All,
My apologies, I am re-sending this thread, as I'm not sure if it landed in the 'NY forum threads'....

I would love to get your input on what places you enjoy having brunch at in Manhattan.

I am a New Yorker who has been to many but only loved a few, and would like to find some new places. Basically would appreciate learning of a nice place that's not outrageously overpriced, a place that's 'worth it', and worth the money spent. A restaurant with good service and great food in a nice atmosphere, and perhaps a place to go for Mother's Day.

Here's some places I or other family members have enjoyed in the past but I would love to learn of more...
Sarabeth's (the new 59 st. location is quite good), Jane's in the Village (fantastic French Toast), Barking Dog (on 96 street, not fancy-so not recommended for a fancy brunch but it does usually have a good breakfast, although was disappointed my most recent visit), the Palm Court in the Plaza (amazing brunches-although yes it is pricey, but worth it, but alas will they ever reopen)....

I've been to others, but haven't been overwhelmed with a rushing need to return. I'd love to hear your choices of good, worthwhile Manhattan Brunches. I enjoy this site immensely and would enjoy hearing from the Fodorite experts. Please let me know. Appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

There is no NY forum, only the "united states" forum. New York, when selected, helps with the search function only. ((b))

I just had brunch yesterday at Artisinal, and it was very good. There are a la carte and prix-fixe ($25) options, and they have great fondue (both cheese and chocolate). Asiate at the top of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel also has a superior, if expensive, brunch. I think it's more like $30 or $35, but it's worth it for the food and the views on a clear day.

Probably too late to book for Mother's Day, but Aquavit is my favorite. It is a sort of buffet, but more an elegant presentation with staff to serve you from a wonderful assortment of small portioned specialties -- many of them salmon. This is not a "stuff yourself" type of buffet, but a really exquisite dining experience. I'm not sure how much it is, not cheap, but worth every penny. Plus it is in simply gorgeous surroundings.

It's also hard to beat Balthazar for brunch if you want to head downtown. Or the Mercer Kitchen is wonderful.

Oh, Doug, Artisinal! Never done brunch there, but how could it be anything but great? Their macaroni and cheese is orgasmic.

There's never a scarcity of good brunch places in NYC.
Although we live in the East Midtown (Beekman) area, we almost always find ourselves in the Lower East or West side when it's brunch time - only because there's nothing that interest us near where we live.

Our favorites;

Clinton Street Baking Co. in SOHO - with specials that are always a treat by being imaginative and, yet, hearty. Excellent biscuits/scones, too.

Prune in LES - don't mind the cramped tables with the solid offerings.

9th Street Market in LES - the excruciatingly loooooong wait for a table is made up with the home-style dishes and good service.

Blue Ribbon Bakery (Greenwich) - perfectly-cooked egg dishes, great breads (the site-baked challah is one of the city's best), available non-brunch items including the Sullivan St. Blue ribbon is famous for - that addicting Bone Marrow dish.

Jane (Greenwich) - great drinks, good French Toasts.

Thanks for your helpful input on the brunch places you enjoy in NYC. Some interesting place to check out.

Any more to add? Brunch place ideas are always welcome.

We had brunch last Sunday at Balthazar, and it was wonderful. We were told we didn't need a reservation for brunch, but we sure did.

Landmarc in Tribeca is good for brunch, as is City Hall and Blaue Gans on Duane Street. I would definitely go downtown for brunch, and most other meals as well. Stay away from midtown, especially far East 50s, as Bill notes.

As a former new york city resident (I moved about 9 months ago to LA), I second many of the suggestions offered above! Here's my own: my husband and i used to love Paris Commune, in the west village. It's a pretty cozy, casual neighborhood spot, and they serve an amazing gingerbread at brunch. Really good omlettes, too. And great french toast... okay, okay, that's enough, right? It used to be on bleecker street, until all the high-end retail started invading... Now at 99 Bank street. Brunch is much better than dinner, IMHO. Also, the low-key but well-regarded Prune in the east village is also a good one - go for a dutch baby! Listed as one of Gayot's top 10 brunch restaurants, incidentally. I hope these recommendations still stand - NYC changes so quickly.

Hmmm, some interesting downtown choices. And just in time for the Tribeca Film Festival!

Googies -- Upper East Side
EJ's -- multiple locations
Bubby's -- Tribeca
Popover Cafe -- Upper West Side
Barney Greengrass -- Upper West Side
Cupping Room -- SoHo

None of these are particularly fancy, just good, standbys.

Wasn't 302 Cafe at the Chelsea Market recently named "best brunch in NYC"? Sorry, I don't remember the source of that award.

Ooops. Make that 202 Cafe.

My husband and I had brunch recently at Park Avenue Cafe, 100 E. 63rd Street--a bright spot on a rainy day. The weather was so miserable that they let us inside 15 minutes early and served us mimosas before the bar was open--a gracious genture. Very good food, and we weren't rushed.