The quintessential New York weekend will always include brunch. From Latin, Irish, South African, and American flavors, we have it all and at a reasonable price. There is no need to take out your passport, just have your metro card ready and start your New York City brunch tour. Here are a few of my favorite options:
Calle Ocho
View on InstagramSangria lovers make your way to 45 W 81st in the Excelsior Hotel. 20 oz glasses of Sangria flow freely and are yours for the drinking. There are 8 different flavors “on tap” and you can choose as you like. They do have strict house rules so be on your best behavior. The sangria is complimentary with an entree purchase. The prices can be anywhere from $18-$30.00. They have the traditional brunch options with a Latin twist. Vaca Frita, which is cuban skirt steak with latin pork fried rice avocado, and fried eggs are phenomenal along with the Latin Benedict which is poached eggs, house-made pork and duck sausage, arepas with chipotle hollandaise.
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Fraunces Tavern
View on InstagramFraunces Tavern located in the Financial District on 54 Pearl Street and is the real deal of Irish Restaurants/Bars. The beer and menu is legit and the workers hail from Ireland. On Sundays from 3pm-6pm they have live traditional music that creates a fun atmosphere. They have a prix fixe brunch for $29 that includes 2 mimosas or bloody marys, an appetizer and entree. Their drink menu is superb so I usually bypass the prix fixe so I can start with moonshine. Beer lovers don’t fret they have over 130 craft beers and ciders. Some of the to options include brioche French Toast, Jefferson’s Cobb and of course the traditional Fish and Chips and Chicken Pot Pie.
Braai
View on InstagramBraai is located on 329 W 51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen. This South African restaurant has a great brunch deal but to be honest not the best service. I decided to include Braai since the food was great and once we complained they definitely made changes and we had a great experience. If you order an entree ($10-$15) and add an additional $12.00 you will receive the unlimited exotic fruit mimosas or the peri-peri mary. The flap jacks were perfect and the steak and eggs was a winner as well.
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Essex
View on InstagramFor a restaurant with more of a hipster/uppity flare head to 120 Essex St. The brunch special is $24,95 for and entree and 3 mimosas, bloody mary’s or screwdrivers. The Challah French Toast and Manchego Mac and Cheese are definitely my go to. The place does get crowded so make sure to have a reservation and even then you might need to wait a little. The ambiance and food are definitely worth it.