As a well-known culinary and retail hub, the Flatiron District is one of the ideal locations in Manhattan to spend a leisurely Sunday while the weather is still warm enough for a stroll. Numerous tempting brunch options beckon, and there are a range of shops from small, focused boutiques to large retail meccas. Let’s start with the brunch options and then move on to shopping:
Sunday Brunch
Almond | 12 East 22nd Street
This small but rather renowned American bistro has a decidedly down-to-earth, rustic aesthetic that serves as the perfect setting for its satisfying fare. Their brioche French toast is expertly prepared with walnuts, cranberries, and bananas that add to the sweetness without overpowering the dish, and their omelettes are fresh and light. There’s even a billiards room in the back and some outdoor seating in good weather.
L’Express | 249 Park Ave South
The French know how to do breakfast and brunch, and L’Express proves this point. The interior of this charming, European-style bistro is casual but not overtly so, and the vibe is sophisticated without being stuffy. There are always fresh flowers arranged throughout the space, and the menu features traditional brunch options prepared to perfection. In addition, they offer three types of hand-prepared, savory and spicy Bloody Marys—one of which includes muddled jalapenos for that perfect kick.
Millesime | 92 Madison Avenue
Millesime’s brunch has cultivated quite a reputation in the Flatiron/Gramercy area due not only to the quality of the food but to the “unlimited punch” brunch option. Dining fare includes a blueberry-apple-mascarpone French toast sandwich, a short rib sandwich, and a duck liver parfait. And for $29, you can indulge in the bottomless punch brunch featuring their well-known Cassis and Cranberry Punch.
Sunday Shopping
agnès b. | 13 East 16th Street
Since opening her first shop in Paris in 1975, Agnès Andrée Marguerite Troublé has been designing meticulously well-crafted and classic clothing that adheres more to a time-tested aesthetic than a flavor-of-the-month approach. Her designs are chic and current, favoring sophisticated hues of gray, black, white, and navy as well as the occasional cheery sailor stripe.
Pas De Deux | 328 East 11th Street
Pas De Deux features a range of lines from both emerging and established designers from around the world. Its large and well-curated inventory ensures a brief perusal through the space will land one with an armful of intriguing discoveries. Moreover, the store caters to a crowd of diverse tastes, offering a nice balance between classic looks and more avant-garde, on-trend pieces.
Madewell | 115 5th Avenue
Madewell has risen through the ranks over the past few years to become a mainstay of women’s fashion. Known for their flannel patterns and casual yet preppy aesthetic, the brand has expanded considerably, making a trip to one of its retail stores an engaging experience. The 5th Avenue location is a large, two-story space that houses their famous jeans as well as sweaters, jackets, shoes, bags, dresses, and accessories.
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