New York is famous for its brunch culture, with many of the world's big cities following suit. Here's where to dine and drink in the city that leads the trend
1. Agave
Head to this West Village restaurant for tasty Mexican-inspired dishes from America’s Southwest, such as swordfish tacos, corn-crusted calamari and blueberry pancakes. Decor is simple with a low wooden thatched roof and chairs to match. Find a cozy corner with cushions if you’re in it for the long-haul or head to the tequila bar for some post-brunch cocktails.
US$33 for unlimited mimosas, frozen margaritas and wine for two hours. Saturdays, 11am-4pm. 140 7th Ave S.
2. Hill and Dale
Don’t be surprised to find this venue has a fascination with all things musical, after all, its name is inspired by the early method of recording where a stylus would cut into a wax cylinder, also known as the Hill and Dale method. Expect to chow down on burgers, biscuits and gravy, plus buttermilk pancakes.
US$14 for a main and one side. US$35 for bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas, Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm-5pm. 115 Allen St.
3. Pardon My French
Grilled steak sandwiches, crepes and kale caesar salads are just some of the dishes available on the brunch menu at Pardon My French. The contemporary bistro-style venue says it takes a modern approach to French dining, and you’ll be in safe hands as far as beverages go, thanks to the speakeasy bar lead by mixologist Simon Sebbah.
US$19.95 for the non-alcoholic package. US$29.95 for food and unlimited Bloody Marys and mimosas for 90 minutes. Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm. 103 Ave B.
SEE ALSO: How to enjoy New York City like a local
4. DiWine
The restaurant and wine bar feels very rustic with its exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings. Live jazz led by Richard Padron plays from noon to 3pm at DiWine as guests enjoy the likes of brick oven pizzas and hot paninis. Extra sides such as eggs and chicken breast are served at an additional price.
US$17 for food including one cocktail. Additional US$20 for bottomless bellinis, mimosas, screwdrivers or Bloody Marys for 90 minutes. Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3.30pm. 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria.
5. Miss Lily's
With two locations in the city and one internationally, Miss Lily’s is everything from a Jamaican diner, rum and juice bar to a jerk shack. The kitchen team comes from their sister properties in the Caribbean and serves up the best jerk chicken, Escovitch fish and curried goat on the a la carte brunch menu. The restaurant itself is a colourful and vibrant venue with friendly staff and a chilled out fun-loving vibe.
Additional US$15 for selected free-flowing cocktails. 132 W Houston St.
6. Pig and Khao
Run by Top Chef contestant Leah Cohen, Pig and Khao on the Lower East Side of Manhattan offers Thai and Filipino-influenced cuisine. The a la carte brunch menu includes corned beef hash (below), chicken red curry and chocolate rice pudding with bacon bits, with sides such as garlic rice and Longonissa sausage.
Additional US$15 for bottomless mimosas for two hours. Sundays, 11am-3.30pm. 68 Clinton St.
7. Poco
Set in the Alphabet City neighbourhood, cash only venue Poco, is designed to feel like a home away from home. Highlights include their lobster guacamole and lobster mac and cheese, plus their hangover cure of crispy tortillas served with scrambled eggs, salsa and cheese (below).
US$32 for bottomless Bloody Marys, sangria and mimosas for 90 minutes. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm. 33 Ave B.
8. Essex
The Sunday Sundown brunch at Essex is set to the sounds of DJ Mike Dominico and Eric Visa on the decks from 2pm-7pm. Dishes on the menu include cheesy shrimp and grits, potato pancakes and an omelette done your way. Guests arriving before 3pm have a 90-minute table limit and those coming after cannot exceed two hours.
US$31.95 for bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer and screwdrivers. Saturdays, 11am-4.30pm and Sundays, 11am-7pm. 120 Essex St.
9. Ivan Ramen
Despite hailing from Long Island, owner Ivan Orkin has years of experience cooking Japanese food in Tokyo, which certainly makes him qualified to open up shop in NYC. With four locations in the city, this venue is his first full service restaurant and serves up the likes of cheesy breakfast ramen and chicken hearts. Brunch in the 60-seat setup indoors or 25-seater back yard when the weather allows.
US$36 for unlimited sake-infused Bloody Marys, mimosa and sangria for 90 minutes. Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-4pm. 25 Clinton St.
– TEXT BY LEAH SIMPSON
PHOTOS: AGAVE NYC FACEBOOK PAGE, HILL AND DALE FACEBOOK PAGE, PARDON MY FRENCH FACEBOOK PAGE, DIWINE FACEBOOK PAGE, MISS LILY’S FACEBOOK PAGE, PIG AND KHAO’S FACEBOOK PAGE, POCO FACEBOOK PAGE, INSTAGRAM, IVAN RAMEN FACEBOOK PAGE
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
