It’s no secret that ThirstyNYC is a fan of Harding’s. When they reintroduced their brunch menu, a Barstool Review was inevitable.
True to Harding’s form, they’ve taken traditional brunch cocktails and added a dash of pizzazz. Just below their Classic Bloody Mary, the menu boasts a Balsamic Bloody Mary (made with balsamic vinegar tomato juice) and a Dill Bloody Mary (with an added dose of pickle juice). For the truly adventurous, Harding’s has imported Mississippi’s own Ubon’s Barbecue for their wildly flavorful BBQ Bloody Mary. Each variation is unique, potent, and, frankly, delicious!
More of a mimosa fan? They’ve put the Harding’s spin on those, too! Of course, you can stick with the tried and true Classic Mimosa, but they’re also serving up a Grapefruit Mimosa (do we really need to explain what’s in that?), the Hannah Van Buren (named for the former President’s daughter and filled with blueberry and apple juice), and the Aloha (OJ, pineapple juice, peach liquer, and a dash of bitters).
All of the aforementioned cocktails are served by the glass ($11) or liter ($35), naturally. Plan your hangover accordingly.
Regarding the slightly less important food portion of brunch, it’s pretty darn important at Harding’s. First of all, they have a new chef, Joel Zaragoza, who came from Sarabeth’s and knows his way around a brunch menu. Secondly, every table gets a basket of housemade mini muffins and pastries to start the meal. “Mini” essentially means “diet”…so that’s a plus. Third, holy crap, the food is fantastic! Fluffy eggs, greasy burgers, challah buns, and their signature Harding’s Omlette (sweet corn, roasted tomatoes, broccoli, cheddar cheese).
As of opening weekend, the Santa Crus (monterey jack scrambled eggs, black beans, lime crème fraiche, avocado, cilantro, green market garden salsa), Our Burger, and the Vanilla Bourbon Battered Toast (served with whipped orange pecan butter and Vermont maple syrup) were voted most popular in the class.
Put quite simply by partner Spencer Slaine, “we went back to basics. Classic American brunch.” Nailed it.
Ps.: Be sure to ask about the oh-so-secret, off-the-menu Griddle Cake. We’d tell you more, but, well, that defeats the purpose. Just save room. We’ve already said too much.
Harding’s Brunch Details
32 East 21st Street (between Park Avenue and Broadway)
212.600.2105
http://hardingsnyc.com
Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am-3pm
Instagram: HardingsNYC
Twitter: @HardingsNYC
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