Brunch in Chelsea With No Line!

El Cocotero is a tiny restaurant that packs a lot of punch (vibe, flavor, staff and most of all food). This dim-lit Venezuelan spot even has a great vegetarian selection and is an affordable option in this often very expensive hood.

The attentive staff will answer all your questions and help guide you through the menu. Be sure to start (or end) with a cafe con leche. We also highly recommend the arepas but you can't go wrong with one of their salads or the basics Venezuelan breakfast served with a piece of delicious fried bread.

Don't just go for brunch...it's a unique date spot as well. El Cocotero is located at 228 W 18th St, between 7th Ave & 8th Ave.

All You Can Eat...for 2 Hours

BG's pick:

We've lived in Chelsea for four years now, but just recently discovered this neighborhood all-you-can-eat lunch menu (it's not often we play hooky from work). This insane bargain, $13.95 on Mondays-Fridays from 11am-2:50pm, has a two-hour maximum stay. The menu features: soup, salad, 20+ rolls, sushi, udon, cooked appetizers, and fried rice. Don't order everything your big eyes may desire at once, just start off slow and build your way up.

There are two movie theaters a few feet away, which is a perfect full-belly afternoon activity, or exercise the food off by strolling through Chelsea's art galleries.

Hidden Brunch Spot - East Village

SK's pick:

The search for the best weekend brunch continues. This fabulous East Village gem is a sure hit! Virage (118 2nd Ave) has a great French/Italian/Middle Eastern (!) menu and for only $14.25 you can choose from their huge menu and the price includes a drink! Plus, when the weather warms up, check out their outdoor sidewalk cafe.

Brunch is served from 10am-4:30pm.

Good Enough for Sonia Sotomayor

SB's pick:

Blue Ribbon Bakery (35 Downing Street, at Bedford) uses this 135 year old oven to bake its creations. You must order the manchego and honey toast (though we don't know what the honorable Sonia Sotomayor, who often frequents this joint orders). Blue Ribbon Bakery is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Bon appetit!