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[title]RECOMMENDED: All our listings for the best brunch in NYC
Brooklyn Bowl
Bowled over by love? Stick with the theme and reserve a set of six lanes, plus a private lounge area, at Williamsburg's newest retro rec room. The brunch-time buyout starts at $3,000, but lasts two and a half hours and accommodates the betrothed and 48 of their kitschiest friends (shoes to boot). The easy-to-customize menu includes unlimited Brooklyn-brewed beer; egg shooters with pickled peppers; a smoked-fish spread with rye toast; buttermilk fried chicken; and French bread pizzas topped with butternut squash and pulled pork. Strike! 61 Wythe Ave between North 11th and 12th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-963-3369, brooklynbowl.com)
Cabrito
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something...hot pink? With its watermelon-hued sign, resident mixologist and eclectic Mexican menu, there's no better place to cut loose and chow down than Cabrito. Call at least two months ahead and book the entire 65-seat restaurant for as little as $2,000. Instead of standard huevos rancheros and frijoles refritos, jump-start your party with mini goat-belly tacos and jalapeo rellenos. Entrees include house-made arepas with eggs and chorizo gravy, and chilaquiles with salsa verde. Wash down the fiery fare with unlimited margaritas, beer and sangria. There's only one dessert on offer, but who needs choices when there are churros and chocolate? 50 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleecker Sts (212-929-5050, cabritonyc.com)
Employees Only
"Fried or over-easy?" might be standard server-speak at most brunch joints, but at Employees Only, you're more likely to be asked, "Straight up or on the rocks?" Inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, this cocktail-bar-cum-restaurant boasts both a working fireplace and an outdoor garden. For $55 a head (with a 30-person minimum and 75-person max), guests can devour such dishes as poached eggs over polenta with sauerkraut and bacon, and swill white peach Bellinis, elderflower spritzers, and West Siders made with Citron vodka and fresh mint. The secret's out about this hush-hush spot, so make your reservation as soon as you set the date. 510 Hudson St between Christopher and W 10th Sts (212-242-3021, employeesonlynyc.com)
Frankies 457 Spuntino
Though the horses and hay bales have long since been replaced by a private bar and candle-laden tables, the old-fashioned brick stable behind Frankies 457 Spuntino still maintains its clandestine charm. Up to 40 guests can whet their appetites with a half hour of free-flowing prosecco cocktails, then delve into platters of fresh fruit, house-cured salumi, homemade pastas and frittatas, and ricotta cheesecake, starting at $1,500. If you've got 75 faces in your entourage, the garden is available starting at $5,000. But hurry—this hideaway is in high demand. It's best to book at least eight months in advance. 457 Court St between 4th Pl and Luquer St, TK, Brooklyn (718-403-0033, frankiesspuntino.com)
Freemans
Sure, Freemans is seasonal, sustainable and whiskey-centric—what restaurant isn't these days?—but it's the comfort foods that make this perennial East Village favorite stand out, especially for brunch. The Green Room seats up to 18 (starting at $35 per person), and the Tavern Room is available for parties of up to 35 on a case-by-case basis and with a $4,000 rental fee. The menu can be customized, but one four-course, dress-popping option includes hot artichoke dip; three-cheese macaroni; and skillet eggs with bacon, spinach and buttered sourdough. An extra $5 per person garners a gooey dessert of rum-soaked bananas Foster and hot chocolate brownie sundaes. Secure your date exactly one month in advance. End of Freeman Alley, off Rivington St between Bowery and Christie St (212-420-0012, freemansrestaurant.com)
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