I have so much love for brunch. You & your killer hangover trudge in with the friends who caused it, rehash last night's events while stuffing your face with carb-heavy homestyle foods, and leave feeling totally renewed & ready to face what remains of your weekend. Oh, brunch is downright magical. And now I'll share my favorite spots in the Big Apple to let this magic happen!

Rose Water (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
Great selection strategy: Does that restaurant you can't afford for dinner offer brunch? That's how I found Rose Water, and it is, hands down, my favorite NYC brunch spot. Their ever-changing pre fixe menu includes creatively unique, delectable options (I once had pork ribs over a poached egg and polenta with spicy greens, and it was perhaps one of my top 10 life experiences ever). I also recommend whichever fresh-squeezed juice they're offering that day, as every one I've tried has been super yummy and refreshing (i.e. watermelon peach last time!).
www.rosewaterrestaurant.com

Dizzy's (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
Last year I lived above this "finer diner," so I've crawled to many a hungover brunch there (the best time to hit Dizzys, since the rest of the week it's a little too "family-friendly" for my tastes). My favorite highlight is the muffin basket with berry butter you get to tide you over while perusing the menu of standard brunch fare. The wait staff won't win any speedy service awards, but they're always very friendly & accommodating.
www.dizzys.com

2nd Street Cafe (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
There's nothing too exciting about this brunch menu, but it's a solid option offering up the usual fare (mainly we chose 2nd St Cafe when we'd overdosed on Rose Water & Dizzy's). My favorite part about eating here is the walls covered with crayon-drawings, which you can contribute to with the supplied crayons and paper table covering! Last time I drew this totally badass boat, and guess who I drew as the sailor riding in it? ME, obvi. Look for it.
nymag.com/listings/restaurant/2nd-street-cafe/

June (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
I brought house guests (including Austin blogger Jess) here once, and it was a good experience for everyone at the table. I took a chance on a strange-sounding salmon pancake platter, and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was. My only gripe was being charged extra for decaf coffee, though I'm used to being treated like a lesser being for choosing decaf.
nymag.com/listings/restaurant/june/

Caffe Buon Gusto (UES, Manhattan)
My first year in NYC, I lived a few blocks away from this cute little Italian place on the UES. I can't vouch for their dinner menu, but their omelets always rated very highly with me & my friends. I never encountered a long wait for a table, and the staff was pleasant and efficient every time. Caffe Buon Gusto has restaurants in Brooklyn and midtown Manhattan, too.
www.cafebuongusto.com

eatery (Midtown West, Manhattan)
A pretty extensive brunch menu consisting of both standard and creative brunch options. Last time I ordered that day's featured frittata with chorizo, red peppers, and some kind of cheese that I forget now but was awesome, and my brunch date enjoyed a cool-looking pancake-wrapped chicken sausage concoction. A good amount of seating here, also, so virtually no wait for a table unless you've brought, like, everybody you know.
www.eaterynyc.com

French Roast (West Village, Manhattan)
This low-key Frenchy-French place was totally bustling the time I went, likely due to its perfectly professional service and gorgeous plate presentation. I had a delicious smoked salmon & vegetable hash platter with poached eggs and greens, and my brunch date chomped on a sweet-looking cheeseburger. French Roast has an uptown location, too.
www.frenchroastny.com

Elsewhere on SARAHSPY:
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-- Directory of NYC museum free/pay-what-you-wish days
-- Tailor's absinthe gummi bears get you f'ed up on wormwood so adorably
-- How to dine at fancy-schmancy restaurants on the CHEAP
-- Historic recipe for homemade PB cups!