Prune

Gabrielle Hamilton's gutsy food at her hole-in-the-wall café on the Lower East Side is inspired by classic American dishes. Don't miss the "Dutch Style" jumbo blueberry pancake baked in the oven—it's paired with Canadian bacon, sour cream and powdered sugar. Sample some of the 10 different Bloody Mary cocktails (love the Bullshot) and try the prime dry-aged rib eye grilled with shallot-parsley butter to accompany two eggs any style. Just be prepared to wait: Prune is always crowded for dinner, and snagging a table for brunch on the weekends is tougher than getting an audience with the Pope.

Best sides: A plate of smoked sturgeon, sable, chub and salmon from Russ and Daughters.