The start of a new season means fresh dining concepts and seasonal flavors. We’re not experiencing fall temperatures just yet, nor are we ready for pumpkin spice everything. Hold onto a piece of summer with these five hotspots to visit right now. 

Baar Baar

Spice up your brunch game at Baar Baar in the Lower East Side. Enjoy a contemporary Indian brunch with classic Indian influences like paneer and ricotta burji and a Bombay masala omelet frittata. On weekends, you can listen to live Bolly jazz performances to elevate your experience. The trendy spot is fit for a celebration or a family brunch. Read our recent review here.

Baar Baar. 13 E. 1st St., New York, NY (212) 228-1200

CoCo J’adore

The charming French bistro is prominently located right on Little W 12th street. CoCo radiates Parisian glamour with a New York edge through art, fashion, culture, and entertainment influences. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by beautiful gold walls and accents, faux shearling lined chairs, and marble top tables. The restaurant serves up a seriously stylish brunch. Right now, CoCo has a solid brunch special where a cool $35 includes an entrée and 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys. There’s also a prix-fixe option for $39 sans alcohol that includes a shared starter, one entrée, and dessert. We loved the Scandinavian eggs and creamy burrata on tomato coulis. Read our review here.

CoCo J’adore, 1 Little W 12th St, New York, NY (212) 464-7222

La Ventura

The cozy West Village spot just launched a new brunch menu boasting a stellar hot chicken sandwich that puts all of the others to shame. Chef Lipson serves a juicy piece of buttermilk fried chicken covered with his house made hot sauce topped with dill pickles and romaine on a toasted bun with labneh. Guests can also enjoy dishes like his ricotta pancakes topped with honey butter and jam and much more. Try sophisticated brunch cocktails like the “le tigre” with gin, Giffard Peche, yuzu sake, honey, grapefruit, and tonic – or the “the leopard” with grapefruit Giffard, pamplemousse, Italicus Bergamotto, and Champagne garnished with olives.

La Ventura, 615 Hudson St, New York, NY (917) 675-6454

Photo credit: Katrine Moite

The Pool Bar at TWA Hotel

Sunday Funday begins with a complimentary drink in the Blade Lounge, followed by the shortest commute ever: a five-minute flight – yes we said flight – to the retro-inspired TWA Hotel in Queens. Upon arrival, guests will be escorted to their table at the Pool Bar for a delicious brunch featuring panoramic views of JFK’s runway and a dip in the heated infinity pool. The hefty $390 per person package includes a roundtrip helicopter flight between Blade Lounge West and JFK, complimentary brunch and pool access, and ground transportation between the helipad and TWA Hotel. You can book the special TWA x Blade rate starting now through November 3rd. If traveling by air isn’t in your budget, you can also stroll up to the hotel to enjoy an affordable brunch a la carte.

Blade Lounge West, W 30th St, New York, NY (844) 359-2523

TWA Hotel, One Idlewild Drive, New York, NY

Wayan

Wayan is a sexy Indonesian restaurant with a modern French flair in Nolita. The sleek space is warmed by teak paneling, lush plants, and whitewashed brick. The impressive menu combines seasonal products and savory Southeast Asian flavors. The heirloom tomato salad and chicken wings and eggs ballado are a must try.

Wayan, 20 Spring St, New York, NY (917) 261-4388