Sunday is a day to recover from a long work week and get ready to take on a new one. For that reason, the boozy Sunday brunch, especially in Manhattan, has become a staple of many a New Yorker's existence. We can divide them into two basic categories: all-you-should-drink (less than 3 cocktails) or all-you-can-drink. It's also important, when considering brunch places, to ask yourself if you're looking for a rowdy atmosphere or a space that's a bit more civilized. My preference tends toward a more low-key scene, but if you want a more comprehensive list of NYC brunches, go look at the excellent food blog Wined & Dined.
One of my favorite spots is the Clover Club in Brooklyn. The Clover has yummy brunch favorites -- like smoked salmon, huevos rancheros, and pork and grits -- as well as a seasonal cocktail menu. A great summer cocktail
is the Champagne cobbler, which includes Rose Champagne, citrus zest and berries. I'm partial to a cobbler-style drink called Cherry Valence, which is composed of Drysack Sherry, Lustau Pedro Ximenez, Cherry Heering, Luxardo Amaro, lemon, orange, and a spiked cherry on top.
If you'd like a side of soul with your meal, check out the Gospel Brunch at Red Rooster. Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has turned the place into the hottest new restaurant in Harlem in years -- and on Sundays, you can eat your food with a background of live gospel music. On my last visit, I had the Fried Yard Bird, Dark meat chicken is fried to a beautiful golden brown, then served on a bed of greens with white mace gravy and hot sauce. If you like spicy food, definitely ask for extra hot sauce on the side. My vegetarian cousin ordered the Hearth Baked Mac & Greens, a generous portion of Mac & Cheese with a side of green vegetables. If you decide to go, be advised that the restaurant does not accept reservations for Sunday Gospel Brunch. Make sure to arrive before noon.
Chef Brad Farmerie's Double Crown serves up Southeast Asian food as influenced by the British Empire. Brunch selections include the traditional English breakfast (eggs, baked beans, roasted tomato and mushrooms) and items with an Asian spin, like Grilled Sambal Prawns and Scrambled Eggs. The best things about the brunch here are the do-it-yourself Bloody Mary Bar (which is definitely worth the $10 supplement!) and the atmosphere of understated elegance.
Photo by hillypill
And the best of the rest:
- Paradou -- A bit crowded on Sundays, but it features one of the best deals in town: a $29 brunch
prix fixe which includes one entree and all-you-can-drink Champagne cocktails.
- Arte Café -- Add $16 to any brunch meal for unlimited Champagne, Mimosas, Screwdrivers, Bloody Marys, Sangria or Peach Bellinis.
- HK Café -- Just like at Arte, you can add $14.95 to any brunch meal for unlimited Champagne, Mimosas, Screwdrivers, Bloody Marys or regular Bellinis.
- Braai -- I've only been there for dinner, but a friend of mine swears by their brunches. This South African bar & grill has an amazing collection of South African wines, plus unique dishes with odd game items like ostrich. Also check out the inventive cocktails (like the peri-peri Mary).
More Great Places for Summer Brunch
Where to Eat in Washington, D.C.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Where to Eat in Chicago
Posted by hillypill (Gwynn Turner)