The bustling patio at Pastis. Image courtesy of nycgo.com.
The Vibe: A little taste of Paris finds it way through the concrete jungle of New York City. This breakfast café and bistro is usually filled to the brim with people digging into brunch or catching up over espressos and cappuccinos.
The Facts: This 1930s style brasserie sits on a busy corner in the Meatpacking District on Ninth (home to the trendy, stylish set) opened its doors in 1999 and has been an NYC staple ever since. Get there for brunch on weekends from 9am-4:30pm, but expect a wait if you don’t have a reservation.
The Experience: Let’s just say we’re partial to the brunch at Pastis. It’s what we get every time we visit NYC. So our review has to be about our favourite meal of the day on weekends. Pastis is always hopping on weekends – definitely make a reservation to ensure less of a wait time, but once you’re seated you’ll literally feel like you’re on a street corner in Paris rather than in New York. Service is always fast, but that doesn’t mean the food suffers – quite the opposite – it’s always delicious.
Start With: A creamy latte
Start any day like a typical New Yorker with a major jolt of java. Pastis’s lattes are foamy and big, so make sure you have room for it. If you’re looking for an alcoholic kick for brunch, the La Vie en Rose cocktail is perfectly sweet thanks to champagne mixed with a splash of rose water.
Entree With: Eggs Hussard
Take your normal eggs benny and throw in some ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, Bordelaise, and a super creamy and tart hollandaise and you have one of our favourite dishes from the bistro. Another classic? The simple Omletes with Fine Herbs and for an over-the-top sweet pick, the Brioche French Toast with fruit and maple syrup.
Finish With: Fresh fruit salad
A mix of the freshest fruits available, it’s the best way to end a plentiful brunch.
Table to Book: Book a table by the sunny window for people watching.
Getting There: Take the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 9 to 14th Street; L to 8th Avenue. Walk west to Ninth Avenue and 14th Street. Walk two blocks south on Ninth Avenue to Pastis.
Insider Tip: The best tip here? Book a reservation. You’ll get a better table, have more time to sit and sip Pimm’s Royal (a yummy mix of Pimm’s and champagne).
Where to Find:
Pastis
9 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10014
212-929-4844
pastisny.com
