Whether you consider yourself a "breakfast person" or not, there will inevitably come a time when you will be tasked with picking a destination for a morning meetup over food.
Instead of getting angry and trying to pronounce Le Pain Quotidien to your friends or colleagues, consult this handy guide, designed to help you find the right spot for any breakfast situation.
The Spots
PERFECT FOR: THE POWER BREAKFAST, ALSO KNOWN AS EGGS WITH PEOPLE OLDER THAN YOU || When you need to do a real deal, Midtown suit breakfast, do it at The National. It'll fit the bill, and the bill won't be as high as it would have been at Norma's.
PERFECT FOR: WHEN YOU NEED TO MAKE AN UPTOWN/DOWNTOWN COMPROMISE || Excellent breakfast tacos, fresh juices, and a whole bunch of other stuff, above 23rd Street? In a space that's actually really nice? Such a place does exist, and it's apparently run by the president.
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PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST WITH VISITING EUROPEANS || The room is adorable but also uncomfortable, it's always packed, the service sucks, and the food is excellent. Your friends should feel right at home. Have some steamed eggs with prosciutto.
The Little Beet
PERFECT FOR: THE POW-WOW BEFORE THE BIG MEETING BREAKFAST || When you need to assemble your team or just assemble your lineup of puppets before that big presentation, Little Beet is where to do it. There's healthy stuff, but also egg sandwiches and doughnuts. What? You don't use puppets in your business pitches? You're doing it wrong.
PERFECT FOR: THE 11 A.M. BREAKFAST, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT TIME YOU THINK BREAKFAST HAPPENS || Well, someone is up early today. Guessing you have to be at a photo shoot or casting call at 1? Start the day at The Smile with a balanced breakfast and probably a cigarette.
PERFECT FOR: PEOPLE WHO ARE VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN BUT KNOW HOW TO LEAVE TIMES SQUARE || If you fit into this category, you've probably been to Balthazar 40 times. Lafayette will keep you well within your comfort zone, and basically in the same neighborhood, but with something a little newer. Morning is the best time to come here, when the room is filled with natural light and pastries.
PERFECT FOR: THE "SORRY, I ACTUALLY REALLY DO NEED TO STAY IN TIMES SQUARE" BREAKFAST
One of the rare restaurants we actually like in Times Square. If you're going to really go for it, go for it.
PERFECT FOR: THE WAY DOWNTOWN BECAUSE THEY JUST MOVED YOUR ENTIRE OFFICE HERE BREAKFAST
Attention, Conde Nast editors: meet your friend Little Park, located in the southern part of Tribeca and close to the Freedom Tower. It has both the fancy hotel lobby feel and the egg white frittata to seal the deal.
Archway Cafe
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST WITH YOUR STARTUP FRIEND WHO JUST MOVED THEIR OFFICE TO DUMBO || This list is admittedly Manhattan (and even Midtown) heavy, because that's frankly where most offices are. If business brings you to meet up with someone who's working out of a DUMBO loft, this is a solid spot with a mix of breakfast options, from house-cured gravlox to avocado toast. You'll also probably be depressed after you get back to your Midtown cube. (Sorry.)
PERFECT FOR: PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING BREAKFAST, EVEN IF BREAKFAST HAPPENS AT 3 A.M. || Not looking to step on any toes? Do it at this 24 hour French bistro. It's neither Uptown nor Downtown, and neither all-out baller or super casual. A utility player. Having a Jennifer Garner of restaurants in your arsenal can be useful when it comes to breakfast.
