The Essential NYC Bachelorette Brunch Guide
by Shruti Shah
It’s no surprise that New York City is a bachelor and bachelorette party destination for brides and grooms alike. While city dwellers might not find it as exciting, there are plenty of ways to make it a celebratory staycation. Brunch is an essential component of a true bachelorette weekend for millennial brides. We’ve gathered the best brunches categorized by the bride’s personality and preferences for those visiting or staying local. Planning an unforgettable bachelorette brunch is sure to bring you up a notch on the bridesmaid scale.
For the Fancy Pants Bride
Classic Harbor Line Brunch Cruise
For out-of-towners, this two hour and 45 minute brunch cruise is a must. Brunch is set up like a supper club, with banquette seating around the perimeter and buffet stations in the center as you set sail. The four-course brunch buffet is offered at a special rate of $86 per person (regularly $108). Catch some rays outside between courses to take in the stunning cityscape. Classic Harbor Line offers brunch cruises from spring to October 13th. You can book your tickets here for a special rate until the end of the season. Read our recent review here.
Classic Harbor Line, 62 Chelsea Piers Pier 62, New York, NY (212) 627-1825
La Mercerie
If jetting off to France was out the budget for your bachelorette, La Mercerie is your closest local comparison. La Mercerie is located inside the Roman Williams Guild in SoHo, where your party can enjoy pastries and profiteroles. The space is absolutely stunning: step through the tall doorways of the navy exterior that sits on a quiet corner in SoHo into a bright, airy, and bustling space. At the front of the restaurant is a charming flower shop, behind it, a pastry case and a counter facing the open kitchen. The food is overpriced but the chic space makes up for it. Catch the review here.
La Mercerie, 53 Howard St, New York, NY, (212) 852-9097
Rainbow Room
This is our best bet for taking the bride’s squad out for a fancy pants brunch before a day of festivities. Look north from 65 floors up, and you can see all of Central Park, plus most of the Upper West and East Sides. Look south, and you’re face-to-face with the Empire State Building. You can even see Lady Liberty herself off in the distance. You literally feel as though you’re on top of the world. Live music makes you feel as though you’ve been transported back to the old supper club that used to be in this very spot. Read about the fantastic brunch here.
Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York, NY, (212) 632-5000
For the Bride Who Loves to Keep the Party Going
Bagatelle
This hotspot is located in the heart of Meatpacking. Put on your dancing shoes on and get ready for a day party with a side of brunch. Enjoy dishes like avocado toast (or as they call it “eggs & avocat”) and classic items like the croque madame. Before you know it, this place will fill up and the Champagne bottles will be popping. Read the review, here.
Bagatelle, 1 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014, (212) 488-2110
Boy Band Project at The Green Room 42
Performance venues may not come to mind when you think of brunch. The Green Room 42 at Yotel hosts a boy band brunch every other Sunday with live performances by The Boy Band Project. Brunch is provided by Green Fig, the restaurant adjacent. The Boy Band Project brings serious ’90s nostalgia. The four member group belts out your favorite hits from the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and more. Plus, lucky brides will be serenaded by their favorite ’90s hit song. You can read about our recent experience here.
The Green Room 42, 570 10th Ave, New York, NY (646) 707-2990
Il Bastardo
If you like your pancakes with a side of party, Il Bastardo is where you need to be. Brunch is equipped with crystal chandeliers and a disco ball. Treat yourself to a lobster eggs Benedict with caviar on top while sipping on some Moët and throwing back green tea shots. The DJ plays some serious throwbacks to set the mood. Don’t let the party atmosphere fool you, they serve quality bites that won’t disappoint. The $75 prix-fixe brunch includes a brunch item and bottle of your choice (mimosa, Bellini, rosé, or Champagne). Read our review, here.
Il Bastardo, 544 W 27th St, New York, NY, (212) 675-5980
LAVO
What do you get when you add a lobster eggs Benedict, a DJ, performers, and bottles of Dom Perignon? You get LAVO Champagne brunch, that’s what. Every Saturday at 2 p.m., year-round, the team at LAVO throws this extravagant bash. So whether you’re continuing on or starting out on your bachelorette celebrations, LAVO certainly amps you up. Read the full review, here.
LAVO, 39 E 58th St New York, NY 10022, (212) 750-5588
For the Low Key Bride
Bea
This is one of our favorite spots for a bottomless brunch. The Hell’s Kitchen outpost has a gorgeous atrium with greenery that feels as though you’re basking outdoors in the sun. Old black-and-white movies are projected on a white brick wall for added ambiance. Bea is worth the $52 splurge for a bottomless brunch of unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails. It’s a great way to try the whole menu with your girl gang and converse about your favorite items. A la carte small plates are also available for $9, and bottomless food without drinks is available for just $28. Read about the highlights here.
Bea, 403 W 43rd St, New York, NY, (212) 602-1910
Wilfie & Nell
The West Village outpost is one of our go to bars to retreat to for a casual night out. The Bitches recently discovered Wilfie & Nell also serves a solid brunch to combat the worst hangovers. Enjoy reliable service and comforting brunch dishes in a cozy setting after a wild night out. Read the full review here.
Wilfie & Nell, 228 West 4th Street, New York, NY (212) 242-2990
For the Bride Who Lives for the ‘Gram
Old Rose at the Jane Hotel
Old Rose is the spot to snap Instagrammable shots of your squad. The chic space has great service and solid food. Old Rose has become known for its incredibly flavorful pizzas served throughout the day. We definitely consider this a recurring place to visit away for just about any meal. The Bitches give it five Champagne flutes. Read the review here.
Old Rose, 113 Jane St, New York, NY, (212) 255-4143
NoMo Kitchen Brunch
The hotel and restaurant are full of funky, modern art like James Goldcrown’s Bleeding Hearts for amazing backdrops. It’s the perfect trendy New York spot to bring a visitor with high expectations and great taste. NoMo’s menu features a variety of eclectic global brunch fare ranging from Mexican-style elote corn, Asian-inspired bao buns, and upscale American classics like truffle flatbread. Read about our experience here.
NoMo Kitchen, 9 Crosby St, New York, NY, (646) 218-6400
While We Were Young
While We Were Young serves up the most adorable cocktails on a marble-top bar and has the cutest lavender tufted seating. You never know what whimsical creations they’ll whip up at the West Village bar. It’s a great place for concluding an epic bachelorette weekend after painting the town pink. Read our brunch review here.
While We Were Young, 183 W 10th St, New York, NY (917) 675-6272