This is but one installment of 37 Things a Man’s Gotta Do This Summer, our annual compendium of everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and generally making time for in your neck of the woods between now and September. Stay tuned all month for more.
New Yorkers have a strange relationship with wait times.
Five minutes for the subway? Reprehensible and inhumane.
Five hours for brunch? They’ll still tip you 20%, please and thank you.
If you’re willing to brave Disney-level lines for mimosas and avocado toast, we’ve got you covered — with our picks for the five best outdoor brunches in the five boroughs.
From suckling pig and live jazz on a rooftop to ramp frittatas under cherry blossom trees, this is how to do Saturday right.
Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel
Chelsea
You’re here because: There’s no better cure for a hangover than a four-piece psychedelic jazz band, an all-you-can-eat buffet worthy of a king’s court, and hair of the dog. So much hair of the dog.
You’re brunching on: Don’t miss the made-to-order eggs and omelettes station, although the real standouts are the suckling pig, eggplant parmesan, baked salmon and fried chicken. As for cocktails? Try the tequila-forward White Widow or gin-driven Szechuander.
530 W 27th Street (map)
Website
Yellow Magnolia Cafe
Prospect Heights
You’re here because: You want to catch the tail end of cherry blossom season at the Botanic Gardens.
You’re brunching on: Curious delights you won’t find anywhere else, like steak and egg bibimbap or seasonal ramp and gruyere frittatas.
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Le District’s Beaubourg
Battery Park
You’re here because: Open-air dining overlooking the Hudson is best with a rosé beer in hand.
You’re brunching on: Accessible French specialties like Steak Benedict and Nutella crepes.
225 Liberty Street (map)
Website
Boqueria
Midtown
You’re here because: Boozy brunches and tapas are a match made in hangover heaven.
You’re brunching on: Gambas for sharing, huevos con chorizo for not sharing. Followed by a tidal wave of housemade Sangria. Or bring a crowd and get adventurous with a six-spit rotisserie for large-format feasts like whole suckling pig.
260 West 40th Street (map)
Website
Cecconi’s
Dumbo
You’re here because: Water views, pizza and excellent people watching along the promenade.
You’re dining on: Black truffle, zucchini blossom, goat cheese and a side of smoked salmon – if you know what’s good for you.
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