Restaurants with Brunch in Greater New York: A Brunch for Any Occasion

There are few cities where one can encounter more enthusiasm in a single meal than New York, where brunch can last through a lazy afternoon and creep into the dinnertime. And there's no better season to enjoy than the spring, since we are only too anxious to spend time outside after the dark, cold winter. With brunch finally getting the respect it deserves in Queens, there are more offerings than ever. Whether you seek an organic meal, a south of the border escape or a dip into dim sum, the borough's variety shines on Sunday mornings.

ORGANIC AFFAIR: Café Bar
32-90 36th St., Astoria
(718) 204-5273
Around the corner from Astoria's Museum of the Moving Image sits the multicolored windows of Café Bar. Mod lighting fixtures and retro couches complement the scene of this lounge-turned-café during the day. The food is the real surprise, with brunch offered seven days a week, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For classic brunch fare with a Mediterranean twist, try the egg white scramble with tabouli or the larger Cypriot Breakfast (eggs, Greek sausage, grilled halloumi cheese and potatoes). On the weekends, the everyday brunch menu is available with the addition of pancakes, served with fresh fruit and a few special omelettes. The restaurant is expanding its organic selections this year, adding vegan items to the menu and declaring pear the fruit of the season, adding it to fresh juices, smoothies, omelettes and more. Outdoor seating available. Average entree $8. MC/Visa accepted.

MORNING FIESTA: La Flor Bakery & Café
53-02 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside
(718) 426-8023
If you've been looking for huevos in all the wrong places, your search is over. In its unassuming location nestled under the No. 7 train is the funky mosaic-tiled facade of one of the best Mexican-inspired brunches around. Once inside, the soothing colors and antique accents might make you think you just stepped off the shores of a sunny southern locale.

Chef Vika Ortega knows how to please the crowd. Try the Puebla breakfast or flautas de pollo for more traditional fare or mix it up with a cornmeal crust pizza topped with guacamole or mango and endive salad. Don't forget the place is also a bakery. Grab a sweet tres leches (three milk cake) or any of the homemade breads to go. Dishes $4-$11. Cash only. Brunch 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

OUT OF TOWNERS: Riverview
2-01 50th Ave., Long Island City
(718) 392-5556
You might think you are in Manhattan as you enter the sleek dining area of this hot spot. One look out the wall of windows will reveal that is because you practically are - the city's expanse begins just beyond the East River perch - though the cavernous interior reminds you that you are still in Queens, as you can't find space like this on the other bank.

Plush seating allows you to fall right into the decadent duck confit omelette with caramelized onions and goat cheese or the Norwegian eggs Benedict kissed with a mellow hollandaise. One bit of advice: Splurge now, before the many new developments in the area are completed and everyone is vying for a prime seat here. Nearly every seat is prime seating and outdoor tables are available as well. Average entree $12. MC/Visa accepted. Brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

HAIR OF THE DOG: Dillinger's Pub & Grill
46-19 30th Ave., Astoria
(718) 956-5601
We understand that getting out of bed after a late, or rather early, night (the ones that end in the a.m's), can be a headache. The kind folks at Dillinger's have come to the rescue. There are standard brunch offerings, but you won't go for the food - bottomless Bloody Marys, served in pitchers, are offered up with the meal and start at $14.95. If you want to be a hard-core reveler, you never have to leave - just sit back and continue into the wee hours all over again. Entrees with unlimited Bloody Mary start at $14.95. MC/Visa accepted. Brunch Sunday only 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

DIM FUN: Gum Fung
136-28 39th Ave., Flushing
(718) 762-8821
It's hard to miss the enormous rainbow front of this off-Main Street hot spot and you'll be sorry if you do. The interior screams hotel banquet hall, but the food is fit for an emperor.

Dim sum, the Chinese version of brunch, is best enjoyed in large groups to take advantage of all the small plates on offer. For the more adventurous, try the chicken feet and black bean sauce or beef tripe. Other good bets are the steamed lotus seed bun, pumpkin cake or the vegetables in oyster sauce. The less adventurous can still find happiness with a sampling of the usual pork buns, dumplings and beef ribs. Average small plate $4. MC/Visa accepted. Dim sum 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

SOUTHERN COMFORT: Richard's Place Restaurant
113-08 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village.
(718) 527-8437
We can thank the kindhearted Madame Begué of 19th century New Orleans for inventing the in-between meal of brunch. When she mixed six eggs with gulf oysters, veal and fried potatoes, patrons were happily stuffed for the rest of the day. Richard's Place is carrying on the tradition of delicious home-cooked and satisfying foods in Queens Village. Try the very southern shrimp etouffé or the famous southern fried chicken and waffles. Average entree $12. MC/Visa accepted. Brunch served Saturday 1-4 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.

ALL THAID UP: Q Thai Bistro
108-25 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills
(718) 261-6599
This bistro's funky décor will put you in the mood for the eclectic menu. You might be hard-pressed to pick just one item, so it's best to go in groups to try it all. The marinated Thai-style basil burger is served on focaccia and is quickly becoming the top choice for patrons. Other favorites include the walnut chicken, which is sweet and crisp and a pleasure for both the eyes and belly. The chicken gang ped is a more standard Thai item; for the less adventurous, there is always eggs Benedict, served with choice of Canadian bacon, steak or salmon. Average entree $10. MC/Visa accepted. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday, noon- 3 p.m.

TURKISH DELIGHT: Hemsin Turkish Cuisine
39-17 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside
(718) 937-1715
Craving a little lahmacun? You know, that delicious Middle Eastern-style pizza topped with ground lamb and fresh peppers? Perhaps you want to stick with a more traditional brunch offering, like menemen (scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes and green peppers, also available with chicken).
Whatever you dine on, you know it will be fresh and delicious at this fast-paced Turkish venue. Try the Sultan's Delight or Lentil Kofte. With most items priced well under $10, your pockets, and your palate, will be smiling the whole way home. Average entree $4. MC/Visa accepted. Brunch (breakfast) served daily 10:30 a.m.