Brunching Outdoors: Five Leaves
We all love summer drinking outside, so why not summer brunching outside? For the rest of the summer, ditch your normal brunch spot and try a place where you can enjoy your mimosa under the sun. This week, head to North Brooklyn for some good eats and amusing hipster-watching at Five Leaves on Bedford Avenue at the tip of McCarren Park.
Heath Ledger planned this Aussie-inspired Greenpoint cafe, but didn't live to see the gem created with money from his estate. During peak hours, the wait can be long, so get there early to beat the rush (they open at 8am). The sidewalk is constantly mobbed with disaffected models and tattooed locals, but just head to the bar while you wait and order a bloody Mary. They add cornichons making them extra tangy and delicious.
The interior is an understated nautical theme, with rich wood floor to ceiling. Outside, you'll sit on word in folding chairs at little round wooden tables, always adorn with a few fresh flowers. The menu is small, but the food is superb. The ricotta pancakes melt in your mouth, and come with a heaping side of fresh bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. If you swing to the lunch side of brunch, the Five Leaves Burger is constantly raved about. Made with grass-fed beef, the patty is topped with a fried pineapple ring, homemade pickled beets, harissa mayo and a sunny-side up egg. Holy cow is right.
While the outside tables get some street noise and, on occasion, personal space invasions from those eyeing your plate while waiting for a table, the tasty (and varied) food and friendly staff more than make up for it.
-Katy Miller
Five Leaves, 18 Bedford Avenue (at the corner of Lorimer Street), opens at 8am (photo via Plato Putas)
Brunching Outdoors will bring you a new outdoor brunch spot each Friday. Have a place in mind? Let us know!
