Brunches are one of the many reasons why Manhattanites look forward to the weekend (more on that here). It’s simply an excuse to have a drink with your eggs at 2 in the afternoon before you go shopping, check out a movie or walk the streets of our beautiful concrete jungle. With the bevy of brunch-type places that are out there, you may be surprised to hear of ones that you have never heard of. Today, we are spotlighting three locations that have banging brunches and ones that you should RSVP to asap.
Check out our list of the best brunches in and around Manhattan that you may have never heard of!
Turn up the flavor on traditional eggs benedict with the Eggs Benny Ranchero ($15) at Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails (367 Third Avenue, NYC, 212.689.3000, www.handcraftnyc.com). Poached eggs sitting on pulled pork, refried beans, guacamole and crispy polenta get drizzled with chipotle hollandaise for a spicy morning wake-up. Other brunch must tries include the Croker ($16) made with toasted brioche, gruyere, bacon béchamel, smoked ham and sunny side up eggs, the Breakfast Burger ($15) with bacon, onion marmalade, cheddar and an over-easy egg on a brioche bun and served with hand-cut fries, and the Craft Skillet ($15) with Andouille sausage, smoked ham, Cajun spice, onions, peppers, home fries, scallions and two sunny side up eggs. Pair any one of your choices with an array of cocktails – including the English Breakfast ($13) with gin, cucumber, sriracha and spices – and your day is off to the perfect start! Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Of course you can order Steak & Eggs ($24) at modern steakhouse Blu on Park (116 East 60th Street, NYC, 646.893.0160, www.bluonpark.com), but there’s so much more to their brunch menu! Not to be missed dishes include the Andouille Shrimp & Grits ($19) with corn, red pepper and cheddar, the Spicy Lobster Roll ($29) with gem lettuce and fries, the White Frittata ($16) with goat cheese, artichoke, garlic confit, arugula and toast, and the Pancakes ($14) with choice of toppings that include strawberries, blackberries, hazelnuts, sliced bananas and whipped cream. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Astoria residents are more than likely to be familiar with the brunch at DiWine (41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria, 718.777.1355, www.diwineonline.com) – it’s been voted one of the best in the borough. For Manhattanites, it’s worth the ride on the N train to enjoy a $17 prix fixe menu that includes an entrée and choice of cocktail. For an extra $20, you can make it a boozy brunch with unlimited Bloody Marys, Bellinis, Mimosas and Screwdrivers. Entrees include a variety of brick oven pizzas, such as the Breakfast Lox with eggs, tomato and smoked nova salmon, and the Newtown with toasted walnuts, whole roasted garlic, spinach and olive oil-infused ricotta. Panini choices include a Croque Monsieur (black forest ham, cave-aged gruyere and the option to add a fried egg for a Croque Madame), Chicken (breaded chicken breast, bacon, mozzarella, avocado and seasoned mayo), and a Skirt Steak and Eggs (skirt steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms and fresh mozzarella). And, of course, there are egg choices that include Banana Bread French Toast (maple-roasted bananas, strawberries, walnuts and crème fraiche), and a Garden Fritatta (artichoke hearts, leeks, asparagus and olive oil whipped ricotta). Brunch – with live music – is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.