8 Dependable NYC Brunch Spots // Manhattan

Click behind the cut to see which spot is #1 

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably swiftly deduced that brunch is, in typical white girl fashion, my favorite meal. To everyone's great dismay (except that of restauranteurs, perhaps?), brunch in New York can be unreasonably expensive and still leave you feeling unsatisfied. To avoid wasting money, I've made it my personal duty to scope out drool-worthy breakfast spots in the city (particularly those that serve breakfast late, or better yet, all day) so that I'm never at a loss for where to go. I would like to pass on some of my New York City brunch knowledge to you! :) Today, I'll be sharing eight of my go-to spots around the city (Manhattan specifically, at least in this post) and some of my favorite dishes there. I'll be doing more breakfast and food-themed posts soon, including where not to go. In the meantime, you can follow me along on my food adventures on Instagram @MissYanaCherie if you like :)

mad for matcha: chalait (restaurant review)

I must shamefully (but unsurprisingly) admit that I deign to be an insufferable iPhone-wielding brute who, upon gleefully eyeing various dubious assortments (are you seeing these green lattes?) placed before me by unsuspecting waiters, earnestly snaps photo after photo. An uncouth barbarian, I snatch picturesque plates away from protesting friends, vigilant to ensure that not a bite is consumed until I can capture their dishes in their immaculate states. Often, I outlandishly stand up to take photos of my food in the midst of bustling cafes, like the weirdo that I am.
That's right - no shame. 

Fortunately, I take solace in knowing that I am not alone in my affliction; nor is my fondness for inane latte art unique to me. Indeed, many others enthusiastically photograph macarons with their macchiatos, nonchalantly positioning their plates - you see, I know, because in these tiny, overcrowded cafes, all the overzealous Instagram "photographers" have the luxury of observing one another...and because Chalait is tagged in a fresh, new photo every ten to twelve seconds. 

Fastidious as I am, these elaborate arrangements are fitted neatly into square boxes in accordance with Instagram's now-cemented standards and doctored hastily to my liking. Of course, all of this tedious pinch-to-crop labor is only undertaken long after the overpriced cuisine has settled in my ever undaunted stomach. Thankfully, my tendency of going out for brunch (read: inability to cook at home) has made me awfully discerning, and thus, I am going to share my wealth of New York City brunch knowledge with you. First on the list was my review of Ladurée - the post can be found here. 

Today, I will be sharing one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes I know of in New York - Chalait. The spot is usually fairly crowded and not exceptionally large, but the traffic is fast-paced - surprising if you consider that most patrons spend approximately seven to eight minutes hunched over their tables, eyes twitching, maniacally snapping away with their phones...