Brunch Gang NYC

Place: Miss Lily’s

Neighborhood: Greenwich Village, 132 W. Houston St. (between Sullivan St. and MacDougal St.)

Mimosa Rating:

Inside Miss Lily’s

The scoop: While I was eating dinner at Miss Lily’s, I noticed a sign for their fantastic bottomless brunch, so I got together a group and made a reservation. I highly recommend reservations.

We got to the restaurant around 2 p.m., and it was pretty packed. Miss Lily’s is all about the scene. If you haven’t been here yet, stop in for drinks or food or both. I walked into the tiny spot and felt like I was at a restaurant in Jamaica in the 1970s. The floor is black-and-white tile, the seats are small, orange-colored booths and vintage tables are scattered throughout the front of the restaurant. There is a small bar squeezed inside, too, with classic diner stools (you can eat at the bar). The art/pictures on the walls and various lamps had a vintage feel as well. Rastafarian music was bumping in the background. The solid atmosphere makes for excellent people-watching.

Spice up your meal!

The service was decent enough, and the waitress was always willing to refill our glasses, so we felt like we were getting our money’s worth of unlimited cocktails.

Bottoms up: We came to Miss Lily’s for the unlimited cocktail option, which is $30 for two hours. I was a little disappointed that there were only two choices, though, since they have a wealth of delicious cocktails. However, since there are only two drink options, why not go for at least a few of each?

Hotstepper and bellini

One Love Bellini

Bellinis can sometimes be too sweet, and the premade mixes are too overwhelming, but I was in the mood for Champagne. I was pleasantly surprised there was more Champagne than mix in every pour!

Hotstepper

The Hotstepper is Miss Lily’s version of the bloody Mary. It was decent — pretty spicy and strong — and it had a different kick to it than a regular bloody.  

Chew on this: If you do the unlimited deal, you have to order from the brunch pre-fixe menu, which is short and simple.

Ackee & Saltfish, a traditional Jamaican breakfast

Ackee & Saltfish / With festivals, sweet plantains and callaloo

This is Jamaica’s national dish. It consists of Ackee fruit, which was imported from West Africa to Jamaica in the 1700s, and salted cod prepared together with onions, spices and tomatoes. The dish varies from place to place with other additional delicious ingredients. I got a smorgasbord of items with this dish, including yummy sweet plantains, callaloo (similar to spinach), mixed fruit and hard doughy bread (which tasted sweet and was super doughy). It was even better topped with bonnet pepper spicy hot sauce. I would definitely recommend this one!

Jamaican Rancheros

Jamaican Rancheros / Eggs over easy, stew peas, plantain chips

I always enjoy a twist on rancheros. This one arrived in a large soup bowl and the over-easy eggs were topped with a bit of salsa and slices of avocado. Stew peas (these look like refried beans, so don’t be fooled) and plantain chips are on the bottom of the dish. This entrée was really salty and kind of small. It was much more soupy than I thought it would be. The plantain chips where a little soggy by the time I found them. I ate the entire dish pretty quickly and added more spice with the bonnet pepper hot sauce. All of the ingredients mixed well together.

Two eggs any style

Two Eggs Any Style / Served with roasted potatoes and green salad

This was your standard American breakfast. There wasn’t a Jamaican twist to be found. I didn’t really get many eggs, but I did get roasted potatoes and wheat or white toast on the side, as well as a green salad, which all helped fill me up. If you have someone unfamiliar with Jamaican cuisine or doesn’t want to try something new, I would recommend ordering this dish.

Outside Miss Lily’s

The final bite: I wouldn’t recommend the brunch pre-fixe. You are limited in what you can order off of their otherwise extensive menu and there are only two mediocre drink options. I think for what you get, it’s pretty pricey. Jamaican food in Manhattan is hard to come by, but Miss Lily’s brunch just wasn’t that stellar.

Reviewed by: Erica

Place: Locanda Verde

Neighborhood: Tribeca, 377 Greenwich St. (between Franklin St. and Moore St.)

Mimosa Rating:

The scoop: Just after 12 p.m. on a Saturday, we walked into Locanda Verde thinking we would have no issues getting a table so early, but we were very wrong. The place was packed! The hostess suggested that we eat at the bar if we did not want to wait. The bar also had its own list, which I have never come across. However, the list worked out in our favor, and after five minutes of contemplating whether or not to leave, we were called to sit at the main bar, which is decently sized. I didn’t feel like we were on top of the people next to us, and I think the service is sometimes better. We had at least two bartenders attentively helping us.

Inside the main dining area

The restaurant itself is pretty massive. There are several dining sections, and if you are able to score a reservation, it would definitely be a good place for a group. It’s got a trendy Tribeca vibe going on, but it also a rustic classic Manhattan feel, which I think comes courtesy of the owner, actor Robert DeNiro. It would be a great spot to take the parents coming in town or the parents meeting your boyfriend’s parents. Also, there is a lot of natural light coming into the restaurant.

The menu is extensive. There is an ample amount of brunch options with an Italian twist, some lunch staples, as well as some of their classic pastas and other items from the dinner menu. You will get that farm-to-table feeling as everything is really fresh-tasting and of good quality. They use organic eggs from Feather Ridge Farms in Elizaville, N.Y.

Bottoms up: There are a few brunch cocktails to help kick start your day as well as a full bar. If alcohol is not your thing, they have delicious looking coffees. You can pick up a coffee or pastry while you are waiting for your table at the to-go bar right when you walk in.

Rosemary Foccacia Bread

Chew on this:

Rosemary Focaccia Bread / Complimentary

They bring you out a slice for each person, but we had no issues getting more! It was cheesy and delicious and had a crispy oven-baked taste. 

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes $17 / With blueberries and Meyer lemon curd

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

I was really looking forward to these pancakes! They were light, yet fluffy, and overall this was a pretty large dish. I was stuffed! The blueberries were a nice tart touch, with the sweet and savory lemon curd. Considering the amount of pancakes, I think they skimped out on the curd. I also was surprised no syrup was served with them. I asked for a side of it. This dish pretty much hit my sweet spot, but I would have to say this felt more like a dessert than breakfast pancakes because of the curd and powdered sugar.

Breakfast Stromboli $17 / With poached eggs, fennel sausage, spinach, stracciatella

Breakfast Stromboli

The stromboli was so delicious! It came halved and with a delicious, runny egg oozing out. It really reminded me of a breakfast calzone or breakfast pizza, just more condensed. One bite into the bread and my mouth just melted. The bread was so soft and fresh with that doughy touch to it. I enjoyed the way the sausage mixed with the marinara-like sauce. I was a big fan.  I think they should mention the eggs are runny in the description, though. My boyfriend hates them and was disappointed when he discovered they weren’t scrambled inside.  The arugula side salad didn’t seem necessary.

Smoked Bacon

Smoked Bacon $8

For the price I was expecting a huge plate of the best bacon ever. I would say it was good, but not $8 good. There were enough pieces for 2-3 people, though.

Outside Locanda Verde

The final bite:  After eating like a king for dinner at Locanda Verde, I expected to do so at brunch. Although it was not my favorite of all time and the prices are on the higher side, they serve quality fresh Italian food and I would like to go back and try other items on the menu. Nearly everything looked delicious that we saw coming out of the kitchen, and there was truly something for everyone’s palate. Make sure to call ahead for a table!

Reviewed by: Erica

Place: Café Cluny

Neighborhood: West Village, 284 W. 12th St. (at W. 4th St.)

Mimosa Rating: 

The scoop: Based on all of their positive reviews, Café Cluny seemed like a must-visit brunch spot in the West Village. Naturally, I was pumped to come here for brunch.

Inside the dining area

Although they do take reservations, none were available when I looked online. When we arrived at the restaurant, we only had to wait for about 10-15 minutes during prime brunch time.

The café’s atmosphere was very French — cute and cozy — but we thought the menu’s high prices didn’t line up with what we valued the food to be.  The Parisian looking servers were all dressed in classic blue-and-white striped shirts (all they were missing was a red beret!). The server we had was decent. Service was nothing over the top.

Chew on this:

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club $15  / Fried egg, bacon, tomato, avocado, spicy mayonnaise

A less greasy way to start the day seemed like a good option so I opted for the Breakfast Club. It looked like a lot of the other patrons had chosen to order the same dish. Unfortunately, it was just average and not as epic as I had read about in reviews. White bread was also used, which I would never guess would be served at this restaurant. The spicy mayonnaise was also not spicy; the flavor mostly came from the avocado and bacon. I think the burger would have been a better option.

Short Rib Hash

Short Rib Hash $18 / Poached eggs and béarnaise sauce

This is an outstanding dish. While we waited to be seated, we looked on the Foodspotting app and discovered the Short Rib Hash seemed like the most popular brunch dish at Café Cluny. It sounded so good. Our mouths were watering anticipating its arrival. This item is no longer on the menu, but don’t fret. The server informed us that this was still available for those in the know.

Outside Cafe Cluny

The final bite: Café Cluny is an adorable and cozy West Village hot spot, but overall, I was not that impressed with their food. The high food prices and average dishes were not what I expected.

Reviewed by: Erica

Place: Oficina Latina

Neighborhood: SoHo, 24 Prince St. (between Elizabeth St. and Mott St.)

Mimosa Rating: 

The scoop: A day after lower Manhattan regained power after Superstorm Sandy, brunch was back in business. Every restaurant in the area was packed with people lining up outside. Just a few doors down from a very crowded Café Havana stands Oficina Latina, and it seemed like a great alternative on this day.

Inside Oficina Latina

We were the only people in the restaurant. I can’t figure out why. The restaurant’s brunch deal — $15 for a dish and drink —  and cool decor — a 1950s garage with Latin flair — is quite appealing. It was dimly lit inside and the tables reminded me of what would be in a vintage diner. There is a decent sized bar at the front. For SoHo standards, Oficina Latina is a pretty spacious.

The service was excellent. I mean, no one was there, but I have been in similar situations before when the server has ignored me. Everyone was really friendly and the restaurant was also well staffed. What I really liked about the server is she took time to give us her true opinion of her favorite dish and drink recommendations.

Bottom’s up: All entrées are $12 and include coffee or juice, but for a mere $3 more you can upgrade to a Bloody Mary or Maria, mojito, margarita, colada or caipirina.

Bloody Mary & Caipirina

Caipirina

Brazil’s national cocktail was made properly with cachaca at Oficina Latina. It had the right consistency and was really delicious. I could taste a hint of bitterness because of the limes. It was hard not to get another. I would recommend trying this cocktail if you are in the mood for something a little sugary.

Bloody Mary

This version of the Bloody Mary was pretty spicy and delicious. It contained all of the official trimmings — green olives, cilantro and celery —  and it didn’t taste like it had been made with a mix. I would recommend trying this if you are into Bloody Marys.

Chew on this:

Llampingachos y Huevos / Typical Ecuadorian potato patties stuffed with goat cheese, served with onion tomato salad, avocado and sunnyside eggs

Llampingachos y Huevos

I really had no idea what to expect with this entrée. The combination sounded appealing, and the server explained to us what it would look like. She also recommended adding bacon ($3), so I did that. We both ended up ordering the dish, which was served in a similar way to eggs Benedict,  but with the ingredients spread out all over the plate. I just mixed everything up together and had one big feast. The potato patties reminded me of arepas topped with pickles and hunks of goat cheese. I really liked the flavor of the onion tomato salad with light olive oil dressing. The chopped-up bacon provided a nice crispiness. The dish had avocados, and I love anything that contains avocados! Overall, you can’t go wrong with Llampingachos y Huevos because it has a little bit of everything. I highly recommend it.     

Outside the restaurant

The final bite: Oficina Latina provides brunch-goers with a well-balanced meal — decently sized dish and solid drink –for an inexpensive brunch. Between the fantastic Latin flavors and the vintage decor, I would recommend someone craving Latin food to check this place out. The service is also great.

Reviewed by: Erica

Place: Rosemary’s Enoteca & Trattoria

Neighborhood: West Village, 18 Greenwich Ave. (between Charles St. & 10th Ave.)

Mimosa Rating:

The scoop: As I walked by Rosemary’s Enoteca & Trattoria, I noticed a crowd gathering around the restaurant or across the street or on any spare corner they could find. This restaurant is fairly new and it seems the hype hasn’t died down. It looks like it’s busy all of the time! That being said, they do not take reservations, but you can put your name down, and they’ll call or text you informing you of your place in line and when you will be seated. I found this to be a fantastic idea! You can go grab coffee or something in the meantime.

Rooftop garden

We arrived at Rosemary’s well after 2 p.m. on a Saturday, and there was really no wait. While we didn’t brunch at an outdoor table, it was like we were still dining al fresco. The whole restaurant is pretty open with floor-to-ceiling windows. The inside is rustic Italian, and there is a large community table in the center of the restaurant. What’s cool about Rosemary’s is that they have a rooftop garden, which you are welcome to walk up to and take a peek. I am not positive if anything they grow up there is used in their dishes, but I would assume so. There is also a gorgeous marble bar in the back of the restaurant. Overall, Rosemary’s has a fantastic atmosphere that will surely draw you in.

Rosemary’s dining area

The service was mediocre. I thought it was quite slow, as we didn’t order for a while after we were seated, and the server never came back to check on us. We really wanted to try one of the many drinks, but we never got the chance.

Chew on this:

Everything we saw around us looked incredibly fresh and delicious. We were already planning our return trip meals. However, for brunch there are very few choices and nothing on the brunch menu was innovative. There was not even a sweet dish option, like pancakes or crêpes. Luckily, their lunch menu is also available during brunch hours.

Foccace

Focacce Rosemary’s $5 / Rosemary, maldon salt

We weren’t provided with anything complimentary, which is odd for an Italian restaurant, but Rosemary’s is well known for their focacce breads, so we went with the classic rosemary one. The serving of bread was pretty large and would be great for a table of four — it was cut into 6 fluffy slices. The focacce was exactly what we expected and a little more. There was olive oil drizzled on top. Really delicious!  

Tomato salad

Tomato Salad $14 / Heirloom tomato, smoked onion, arugula ‘apicius’ vinaigrette

Allicia was amazed and very impressed by her salad. I thought it was missing something — oh yeah, lettuce! Needless to say, it was well executed and had delicious flavoring from the onion and light vinaigrette. I personally would recommend this dish only as a starter, not for a meal, because of its small size.  

Soppressata

Soppressata $12 / Soppressata, pecorino Toscano, spicy cabbage, almonds on pressed ciabatta

Just what I needed — a flavorful classic Italian sandwich. The soppressata was very delicious and reminded me of a tasty piece of salami. The pecorino and cabbage added to the flavor. I did not really taste a crunch from the almonds however. The ciabatta was soft and chewy making it easier to eat. 

Outside Rosemary’s

The final bite: Rosemary’s has a fantastic atmosphere and busy, fun vibe, but for brunch, I really was not impressed with the few dishes they had to offer. They have such great potential because of their location and popularity. Since the restaurant opened recently, I’m hoping their brunch will improve over time to match the restaurant’s ambiance.

Reviewed by: Erica