When a friend suggests BBQ the answer is usually yes. If it’s Blue Smoke, there is no question. This NYC staple doubles as a restaurant and jazz club - both very worth checking out.
Blue Smoke’s pictured Memphis baby back ribs can hang with their Southern brothers any day. Dry rubbed with a “magic dust and special sauce” allows these ribs to keep the mystery alive, and mystery is important. Mystery keeps you coming back for more and lord knows we will.
After several attempts, we finally made it to Saxon + Parole for brunch. The pictured eggs are poached perfection drenched in hollandaise. Instead of resting the eggs atop an english muffin, you have clean potato parmesan patties and delectable cured meat. If you’re going to involve cured meat in my brunch then I’m going to love you forever. Should have asked for extra meat…
If you’re looking for a delicious Italian meal on the cheap, look no further than the quaint Pepe Verde on Hudson. This tiny establishment has an extensive menu that trumps most of its higher priced competition.
When you know what you want, go up to the counter and order it. And don’t hesitate to order a few bottles of Pepe Verde’s $17 wine that will be served in plastic cups. Don’t get all uppity just drink the damn wine.
Hands down the cleanest brunch dish that I’ve ever had. Elephant & Castle’s pictured canyonland poached eggs with baby tomatoes, basil, tarragon, balsamic, wild mushrooms and avocado is a thing of beauty. And it tastes better than it looks. After you’ve punctured the eggs use your english muffin to soak up the delicious yolky mixture.
Bottoms up at this neighborhood cocktail bar. The Randolph specializes in beautifully engineered cocktails that will mess you up. Try the signature cucumber cocktail to start (or end) your night.
Next door is Randolph’s Beer bar if you’re in the mood to funnel some microbrews.
Perilla’s bloody mary will put hair on your chest, which is why I wear a deep V whenever brunching here.
The pictured french toast topped with apricot and vanilla-bourbon maple syrup is a pleaser. Don’t feel guilty about carbing up with this dish. The portion is just right and will leave you with enough room to be the one to suggest post brunch Sunday drinking.
Perilla is a great spot for a larger brunch group. Just give them a call beforehand to reserve a table.
Frankie’s Spuntino is a solid Italian spot in the West Village (and Brooklyn). With plenty of seating and fresh food, you won’t be waiting for three hours to be seated. Grab several bottles of house wine and some cured meats to start off the night.
Pictured is Frankie’s house made cavatelli pasta with hot sausage in a browned sage butter sauce. It’s surprisingly filling so count on sharing it with your neighbor or stick a few bites in your pocket in case you get hungry at the club.
Bareburger, the Upper East Side thanks you for blessing its burger barren streets with your presence.
The pictured Big Blue Bacon cheese burger is loaded with blue cheese, bourbon sauteed mushrooms, apple smoked onions, blackened maple bacon and apple chutney atop a perfected medium rare hunk of local beef. Bareburger is all about keeping it organic and keeping it local while maintaining a serious burger following.
If beef isn’t your thing, Bareburger has several sandwich options, alternative burgers, and veggie choices too. And really good beer and wine. It’s a clean establishment.
Joseph Leonard is just about as flawless as you can get. Studying the menu beforehand is probably a good idea otherwise you can bet on endless indecision while munching on complimentary gherkins.
Dine in absolute comfort in this dimly lit, intimate establishment. The wait staff is calm and never gives off a hint of impatience as you get lost in conversation over some red. Not pictured is the caramel pudding dessert. A light pudding that doesn’t leave you with post meal fatigue.
Come here on an off night to avoid a long wait. Come here like we did, during a torrential downpour on an off night to avoid any wait at all.
Joseph Leonard is the sister to Jeffrey’s Grocery, Fedora and Perla.
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Bloody Mary and Brisket & Pork Chili at Jeffrey’s Grocery in the #WestVillage, #NYC
Not only is Jeffrey’s bloody mary perfection in a mason jar, it’s healthy too. Sort of.
Jeffrey’s Grocery is a new favorite brunch destination. With its meat filled menu and strong cocktails, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be yours too.
The pictured chili dish is good all the way through. Soak up the extra egg and chili mixture with the cornbread for maximum efficiency.
If your crew rolls deep, expect a hefty wait. It’s worth it. Jeffrey’s Grocery is the sister to Joseph Leonard, Fedora and Perla.
