Brunch in New York City is the equivalent of beach parties in Las Vegas: an excellent excuse to booze while it’s still light out and reason enough to avoid any Saturday or Sunday afternoon obligations. Sure, that 2 p.m. trip to the Diner has always held a special place in your weekend repertoire, but the deep-seeded, gotta-be-seen partiers in the city have turned it up a notch, taking an average meal at Moonstruck and moving it to a bar or club, adding a few more mimosas and turning up the house music. This is brunch for those of us who cherish the weekends, soaking up every possibility to party between Friday night and Monday morning. This is brunch for the true blue partiers in NYC.
Best Brunch in NYC: Endless Brunch @ Sunburnt Cow
137 Avenue C
New York, NY 10009
It’s no surprise that the Aussie nightspot known for its $20 two-hour open bar deal at any time of day also throws a killer “Endless Brunch” for just $18. If the unlimited Moomosas, Moo Marys, Screwdrivers, Greyhounds and, of course, Fosters aren’t enough of an incentive to brunch here, the food should do the trick. Try the Buttermilk Banana Pikelets or the Barrier Reef Benedict (poached eggs over crabcakes smothered in hollandaise). I swear, the food is tasty even if you aren’t on your fifth Moo Mary and the music is just as good. The DJ during brunch plays the perfect soundtrack – a down-tempo mix of atmosphere music that’s fun, but not the get-up-and-dance-on-the-tables sort of fun. It’s the perfect finishing touch on the laid back, Saturday afternoon, quintessential Australian vibe.
Best Brunch in NYC: Day & Night @ Revel
10 Little W 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
The brunch at Revel is the epitome of “club brunch” with more emphasis on “who’s wearing what” and “who’s spinning” than anything else. The space is cool and comfortable, day or night, with exposed brick, foliage and even a little birdhouse to brighten and liven up the space which would otherwise be just a dingy, dark bar. A retractable roof to top it all off, and you’ve got a perfect atmosphere for day drinking. The party starts off slow, but after a few glasses of Rose (or shots of Patron, whichever you prefer) the DJ’s beats grow thicker and the magnum bottles topped with sparklers start making their rounds.
Best Brunch in NYC: Champagne Brunch @ Nero
46 Gansevoort Street
New York, NY 10014
All you can drink Bellinis and Eggs Benny? Done and done. For just $25 the food doesn’t really need to be outstanding – and let’s face it, with all you can drink Bloodys, Bellinis, Mimosas and more, are you really going to be able to tell if the food’s a little weak? The place is a shit-show on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (as expected) and the food is surprisingly not half bad. In fact, it was pretty good, or at least I thought so after downing a few cocktails. If you don’t mind putting up with the Meat Packing regulars, then Nero is your spot for a boozy bargain brunch.
Best Brunch in NYC: Weekend Brunch @ Scottadito
788 A Union St
Brooklyn, NY 11215
The perfect setting for a Saturday afternoon: a brisk stroll through Park Slope followed by a tasty Tuscan brunch and unlimited drinks at Scottadito. What Zagat has described as “Park Slope’s latest secret weapon” is a secret no more. Delicious food and unlimited mimosas, champagne, and coffee for just $14.95 sure puts those overpriced under-par bottles of vodka from the night before to shame. (I mean you can’t get a delicious Italian-style omelet with that bottle, now can you?) If you’re looking for a boozy brunch, an excellent deal and you don’t mind toning down the full-out “club brunch” atmosphere, then get on this.
Best Brunch in NYC: Sunday Brunch @ Essex
120 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002
Maybe I like this place because the Bloody Marys are made to perfection (heavy on the horseradish, just the way I like ‘em) or maybe I like this place because I can get three of them and a Mexican Matzo Brei for just $18. Either way, this space is worth checking out. Make a reservation, come with a group of about six to eight and bring cash (brunch is cash only). Once you’ve enjoyed the meal and have pregamed thoroughly, head down to the bar for $3 drinks. The men are like hawks here, so single ladies will enjoy this spot. A great conversation and a few more Bloody Marys, and you’ve got yourself one inexpensive and satisfying Sunday afternoon.