5 Best Brunches In Union Square
Looking for a great place to grab brunch near Union Square? Here are five restaurants that are serving up everything from traditional egg dishes to new takes on breakfast sushi rolls. By Carly Petrone.
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Most people don't think of sushi when they think of weekend brunch but Haru Sushi is changing the game. Stop in for one of their many unique breakfast items like the Brunch Roll ($16) - spicy salmon, tamago - a Japanese sweet omelet - and avocado, topped with Applewood bacon dust, and served with spicy mayo. Another filling option is the adorable Breakfast Buns ($7.50). Choose from Chashu Pork (marinated and roasted pork belly) or Arabiki Sausage (Japanese smoked pork sausage). Both are filled with egg castella - a Japanese egg and shrimp cake - and scallion cream cheese. Those who had to skip their lox bagel will be happy to know the Smoked Salmon Roll will satisfy your craving. It's made with smoked salmon, shallots, capers, and tomato and topped with scallion creme fraiche, fried potato, and hardboiled egg yolk. Wash it all down with their take on the Bloody Mary. The Wasabi Mary ($7.50) will wake you up thanks to the mixture of Svedka Citron Vodka and Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Sake that's been shakedn with cucumber and their signature wasabi-infused Bloody Mary mix. Brunch menu available from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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As soon as you step outside the subway, you'll notice The Coffee Shop, the Brazilian diner that's open 24 hours - well, almost. Okay, it's open 23 hours but that means you can get brunch all the way until 5 p.m. Start out with traditional South American starters like Coconut Crisped Shrimp ($12) or seafood chowder with tomatoes, garlic, and saffron called Sopa de Peixe Bahia ($8). The Lump Crab and Arugula Salad ($16) is covered with mango, avocado, and tomato and tossed with a citrus lemon vinaigrette. Enjoy a twist on a typical egg dish and try the Columbian Arepa ($14). It's filled with a poached egg, chorizo, spinach, and a truffle hollandaise. Get a taste of Brazil with one of their specials like the National Dish of Brazil: Feijoada Completa ($18). This stew will certainly keep you full throughout the day thanks to its chunks of pork and black beans that is served with kale, sliced oranges, and Farofa. Plus, it includes a Caipirinha shooter! You can also sip on mimosas or passiosas (passion fruit and champagne). Oh yeah, and there's coffee. Duh.
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If you're looking for a fresh farm-to-table brunch near Union Square then head to ABC Kitchen inside ABC Carpet & Home. Michelin star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is busy creating meals that celebrate both community and the future of the slow food movement. All of the ingredients used are organic and locally sourced so you know each dish is filled with flavor. Diners can dive into Buttermilk and Crawford Cheddar Biscuits ($9), Eggs Benedict with Flying Pigs Farm Ham ($20), or Buttermilk Pancakes with Lemon Curd ($18). Oh, and don't forget to order their Seasonal Glazed Doughnuts ($10) for the table. You can thank us later. Brunch available from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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If you're near Union Square over the weekend then pop into Friend of a Farmer. It's probably best to get a reservation at this popular brunch joint but stop in and grab a one of their specialty cocktails or homemade juice at the bar while you wait for your table. Snag a seat by one of the two fireplaces and cozy up for a meal to remember. The Irving Place Omelette ($13) is definitely for the bacon lover. It's filled with chunks of it plus cheddar cheese and tomato. If you feel like splurging, order the decadent Crab Cake Benedict ($26) - poached eggs, fresh crab, english muffin, and hollandaise. The Old Fashion Pumpkin Pancakes are now available and come with toasted walnuts and homemade maple syrup. If you want to bring the kiddos, they can nosh on grilled cheese, chicken fingers, mini pancakes, and scrambled eggs. All are served with small black cow or fresh apple cider.
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Blue Water Grill is the place to go when you're looking for everything from seafood to sushi. This popular restaurant provides live jazz music and unlimited drinks during brunch hours so you may want to stay a while. Enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi as well as goodies from the raw bar like Lobster Cocktail and Jumbo Shrimp. The Tempura Monster (tuna and sambal aioli) and Red Hot Roll (spicy shrimp, tarragon, jalapeno, avocado, and hamachi) are two tasty starters. The Avocado Toast with lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, on french sourdough is another great way to begin your meal before moving onto more heartier dishes like the Smoked Salmon Benedict with dill hollandaise or Wild Mushroom Omelette. Don't forget to take advantage of the unlimited drink options - choose from a Bloody Mary, screwdriver, bellini, or champagne (tea and coffee as well). Brunch available from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.