NYC's 8 Best Brunches For Winter 2013
Get warm, cozy - and full - at these New York City winter season brunches. From hearty burgers to all-you-can-eat menus, these restaurants and bars are offering the best weekend meals to satisfy your cravings during the coldest months in the city. By Sarah Shaker.
More: NYC's 5 Best Spots For Burgers & Drinks
Bite into one of NYC"s most infamous burger's this winter at Corner Bistro's newest location in LIC. What's more comforting for brunch (or lunch or dinner) than a hearty, cheesy burger topped with crispy bacon? While the original West Village bar doesn't offer a brunch menu, their new joint has an extended menu for NYC's favorite meal at an affordable $9 - $12 per dish. But don't just indulge in the Bistro Burger – try the wings. Bought directly from the butcher, these fresh, plump wings are served piping hot with a creamy blue cheese to cure your weekend hangover or make a game day meal that much spicier.
More: 6 Fun NYC Dishes To Try This Weekend
For a special occasion this winter, make reservations at the Waldorf Astoria to experience one of NYC's most decadent brunch displays. Your favorite food is likely offered in the buffet style set-up and dishes are updated regularly to highlight seasonality. The brunch features dishes that use the hotel's new "Rooftop Honey" from the hotel's beehives that were installed last spring. Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. with the last seating at 2:30p.m. and is $95 per person which includes one mimosa or glass of champagne and an endless amount of food.
The Lion launched a new brunch menu this January with dishes created by Executive Chef Jason Hall. Guests can now enjoy lighter fare including Cream of Wheat topped with fresh raspberries and bruleed banana or the Greek Yogurt with a citrus salad topped with black lava sea salt, mint and honey to get yourself bikini ready for a Spring vacation. For something heartier during these chilly months, try the new Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sandwich and the Everything Bagel with smoked salmon and egg salad gribiche. Brunch is available at The Lion on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Bring the whole gang to a delicious prix-fixe brunch at Hakkasan, for worry-free dining once the check arrives. This menu is offered at $39 per guest and includes a choice of Guava Bellini or Lemongrass and Jasmine Tea, an assortment of 9 dim sum dishes and a dessert. Hakkasan's brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
The brunch experience at Jones Wood Foundry is memorable during the colder months as it exudes comforting warmth transporting brunch-ers to an English country inn. Enjoy an eclectic range of British and American midday culinary classics, from Crumpets, Kedgeree (smoked haddock, rice, egg and fried bread) and Toad-in-the Hole (chipotala sausage, caramelized onions, Yorkshire pudding) to Eggs Benedict and the popular JWF Burger. Plus there is always a savory pie of the day, made with two kinds of house made crusts, each filled with rich and soul satisfying ingredients for a cold winter's day. There's also a roast of the day, evoking images of Sunday meals at home with your family.
At The Quarter, the vibe is cozy and convivial with the intimate space prompting conversations between tables. The brunch menu is full breakfast options including Housemade Granola, Chocolate Chip Pancakes and the McQuarter Breakfast Sandwich (English Muffin French style, bacon, egg, sausage, topped with maple syrup and housemade fries). If you're in the mood for lunch, try the world-class burger, recently cited by the Wall Street Journal as being worth the trip from just about anywhere or Organic Quinoa Salad, avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, red onion, grilled corn, cucumber lime cojita cheese and crispy chick peas for those looking to stay on their winter diet.
This recently opened smokehouse in Astoria offers a serious comfort food brunch menu from Executive Chef Eric Milley with offerings like Texas Toast, Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy and Big Breakfast Ribeye (28 oz bone in steak, red eye gravy, greens, cheese grits, two eggs and cornbread). Carnivores shouldn't miss their made-in-house Charcuterie, like Duck Pastrami and Chicken Liver Mousse. The barbeque-inspired menu, featuring dry-rubbed meats – not dripping in sugary sauces – will keep you coming back to this new restaurant and bar both day and night.
Jazz at Kitano has a Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring the soothing tunes of jazz musician Tony Middleton. Cozy up with your sweetheart during the cold months for this buffet brunch, offered every Sunday with seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For $35 per person, this elaborate meal includes one cocktail and a selection of items from the breakfast buffet, such as Sliced Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes, Smoked Salmon with traditional garnish and Fresh Fruit Salad. Brunch and jazz sounds like a meal made in New York City heaven.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
