Mother’s Day Brunch in NYC: 8 Great Restaurants for Families

We’ve rounded up a bunch of scrumptious places, and broken them down by style: organic, classic, casual, spots that would make Fancy Nancy super-excited and more…

For the organic mom
Applewood– Park Slope
501 11th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
718-788-1810
No reservations for brunch.
With a true devotion to local fare (the restaurant exclusively uses antibiotic and hormone-free meats and poultry), a working fireplace and a kids’ menu for brunch, it’s no wonder this is one of Park Slope’s most popular eateries. Opened by a pair of Brooklyn parents in 2004 (who have since decamped to an upstate farm), it’s a cozy spot on a beautiful block. The brunch menu changes daily and is posted on the website at 10am. But since you really need to get there around then in order to secure a table, it’s best to go and check it out in person, especially on Mother’s Day.

For the casual mom
Dee’s– Forest Hills
107-23 Metropolitan Avenue near 74th Avenue
888-488-3337
Reservations accepted.
Pizza for Mother’s Day? Well, why not? This Queens spot’s pies are legendary. Last year, the restaurant offered a special three-course prix-fixe menu for Mother’s Day, and we suspect it will again for 2015. Pizza’s just the tip of it. Appetizers include coconut shrimp and fried calamari, and main courses range from lobster ravioli and lasagna to burgers and, of course, pizza. Finish off with rice pudding, chocolate chip cookies or gelato for dessert. I know, I’m drooling too. $32.99. There’s also an $15 kids’ menu for ages 12 and under.

For theTop Chef-loving mom
Craftbar– Chelsea
900 Broadway at 20th Street
212-461-4300
Reservations accepted.

and

Colicchio & Sons– Chelsea
85 Tenth Avenue at 15th Street
212-400-6699
Reservations accepted.
I adoreTop Chef, and head judgeTom Colicchio is part of why I am so obsessed. For my fellow NYC moms who’ve watched every single episode, what could be a better way to celebrate than going to one of the celebrity chef’s restaurants? Craftbar offers brunch from 10:30am-4pm, with yummy selections like smoked samon quiche, shrimp and grits, and white anchovy bruschetta. Meanwhile, Colicchio & Sons is offering a special four-course prix-fixe brunch in honor of Mother’s Day from 11am to 9pm in both the Dining Room and the Tap Room. At $125 not including tax or gratuity, It’s quite a splurge. But for reality-food-TV junkies, these are Emmy-winning choices.

For the mom who likes to cruise
World Yacht Mother’s Day Cruise– Midtown West
Board at noon; cruise runs 12:30-2:30pm.
Pier 81, West 41st Street at the Hudson River
212-630-8100 or 1-800-498-4270
Reservations accepted.
Enjoy amazing views of the Manhattan skyline as you sail around the borough. There are omelet and salad stations, and a selection of pasta dishes and desserts. (This is really more about the experience than the eating.) Every family gets a private table and complimentary mimosas. $50 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-12 plus tax and gratuities. There’s also a Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise that evening starting at $107 per person.

For the classic mom
The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel– Upper East Side
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
212-546-5300
Reservations accepted.
Not only is this high-end eatery perfect for moms looking for a classy celebration, it’s great for little pink princesses who go gaga over Eloise, the Plaza’s most famous fictional resident. After extensive renovations, the hotel and restaurant are entering a new heyday. For the holiday, families can enjoy a three-course, prix-fixe menu. Admittedly it’s pricey, but really, dining at the Palm Court is something everyone should experience once. So make reservations for Mother’s Day and cross it off your list.

For the mom who enjoys heights
The View at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel– Midtown West
1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets
212-704-8900
Reservations accepted.
Your ears may pop as you take the elevator up to the 47th floor, where the aptly named View revolves. Yes, you spin slowly as you eat. Pretty cool, huh? Pretty amazing 360-degree views of the city, too. Tourists love it, but that doesn’t mean natives won’t appreciate its gimmick. $85 per person (not including gratuity or tip) buys you a buffet featuring a selection of hot and cold dishes, a carving station, fresh waffles and complimentary mimosas for mom and dad.

For the foodie mom
Prune– East Village
54 E 1st Street near First Avenue
212-677-6221
Reservations accepted.
This hot spot usually doesn’t take reservations, but it’s making an exception for mom. Awwww. It’s initimate (read small) but homey and delicious, with serious dishes presented in a not-so-serious way. Try classic eggs Benedict or sausage and oysters, among others, and wait until you see the 10 different types of Bloody Marys! (I counted them!)