New York City is packed wall-to-wall with restaurants, from world-class cuisine to cheap ethnic foods to the classic big wedges of New York pizza. But only a handful of restaurants are open for brunch, and only some of those do brunch really well. A good brunch offers a variety of quality foods, great mimosas and---in New York---great views or people-watching opportunities.
The Water Club is in Manhattan on the banks of the East River at 30th Street. The restaurant offers spectacular views of the water and offers traditional American fare in a semi-upscale setting. Brunch here is prixe fixe at $42 per adult and $37 per child as of October 2010. The Water Club goes beyond standard brunch fare by offering a raw bar with oysters on the half shell and seasonal antipasto. There is no dress code, but those showing up in jeans and a T-shirt will feel under-dressed. Irish soda bread is among the many bread options offered.
Buttermilk Channel is a great place to go when you want excellent food for a moderate price. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The brunch menu here offers such specialties as pecan pie French toast, cheddar waffles and several types of Bloody Mary. The meal includes free mimosas or other beverages, and most entrees are under $15 as of 2010. The restaurant is in the Red Hook area of Brooklyn near the body of water between Brooklyn and Governor's Island. Visitors should note that reservations are not accepted for brunch, and wait times can reach an hour.
Dell'anima puts an Italian spin on the traditional brunch and serves the meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. A bar near the back of the restaurant has space for six people to watch the kitchen in action. The restaurant serves house-made sausage, frittatas, pollo al diavolo and polenta with honey and parmigiano reggiano. Brunch starts off with complimentary fresh ricotta with honey and pine nuts. In addition to standard caffeinated beverages, Dell'anima offers alcoholic espresso drinks, including one that mixes espresso with walnut liquor and foamed milk. The restaurant is moderately expensive, with casual dress accepted and street parking available. The restaurant is in the fashionable West Village neighborhood, just blocks from the Hudson River.
