New York: Top 10 Pancakes

Updated October 16, 2009

In his book Eat Me, notable flapjack flipper Kenny Shopsin writes of pancakes: “They are flour and milk drowned in butter and some form of sugar. They’re crap.” We love crap!

A McNally faux bistro original. Scenetastic breakfast starts many a Soho player's day, while Silicon Alley types split café-style lunches. Dinner pulls in the power suits for duck and pistachio terrine, steak au poivre, duck confit. Open late to salve any bouts of insatiable…

Bubby's

New York Restaurants » Tribeca » American

Rib-stickin' southern cookin'. They come by the droves for celeb-spotting at Sunday brunch; expect a wait if you're not Harvey Keitel. The dining area is sparse, wooden and white, but it's the food that counts. Fried chicken or tender pulled pork served with a side of mac 'n'…

Clinton Street Baking Company

New York Restaurants » Lower East Side » American (New)

Where downtown fashion vampires feign eating—when they dare be seen by daylight, that is. Lunch and brunch anchor the block, with beautifully light French toast. Buttermilk biscuits don't leave holes in the sheetrock when you throw 'em. Also serves "real" food like shrimp…

Kitchenette

New York Restaurants » Tribeca » American

Country kitchen serves up staples like meatloaf and fried chicken as well as crab cakes and salmon croquettes. New space nearby is blander than the old, but kitschy '50s charm still packs 'em in for weekend brunch. Homestyle goodness, but with an unfortunate dash of 'tude. Order…

Public

New York Restaurants » Nolita » Eclectic & Global

Stunning, modern, embracing restaurant puts a smile on your face and a hurt on your wallet. Muffin factory turned smart, airy eatery featuring farm-fresh veggies, free-range birds, and hot staff. Interesting Aussie/Kiwi cuisine like venison with coriander falafel. Sensational…

Sarabeth's

New York Restaurants » Upper East Side » American

Connecticut's embassy in the UES. Think Martha Stewart pre-disgrace. Homemade jams to be savored with easy-listening jams in cozy space awash in pastels and florals. Crowded during breakfast hours, but you can buy pastries at the counter. Eggs benedict renowned, incredible soups,…

Tom's Restaurant

New York Restaurants » Prospect Heights » Diner

"It is always nice to see you," says the man behind the counter, even though it's your first visit. Cluttered, kitschy interior around since 1936 and shows it. Amazing egg creams, ice cream sodas, and cherry lime rickeys. Hyper-busy Saturday-only brunch. If you get in, get the…

Norma's

New York Restaurants » Midtown West » American (New)

Come early, leave poor. Veteran brunch spot pumps out fantastical concoctions to wow the out-of-towners. Dining room is a Jetsons' wet dream, could easily see Rosie skating between the ultra-modern crimson chairs and shiny metal tables. Beware the OJ hustle: waiters…

Good Enough to Eat

New York Restaurants » Upper West Side » American

Disarmingly friendly farmhouse may promote paranoia: there must be spit in my pink lemonade! Relax and pretend you're in Vermont among the supercute locals, tongue-in-cheeking a whole turkey dinner with all the fixings for sub-twenty bucks. Other security blanket standouts:…

Shopsin's General Store

New York Restaurants » Lower East Side » Bakery

Kenny Shopsin is legend, as much for righteous old-school NY ‘tude as crazy creative concoctions, a la "blisters on my sisters" and slutty cakes infused with essence of stripper perfume, Parliament Lights, and pumpkin. Put years on your life by scanning sprawling menu…

2009 Gift Guide Find your gift