Mother's Day meal deals in New York City

Mother's Day brunch

Photograph: Jeff Gurwin

Looking for a budget brunch on Mother’s Day? Fuhgeddaboudit. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some sweet deals that will help lessen the blow. Spending time with mama may be priceless, but why should you have to pay through the nose?

Aquavit 65 E 55th St between Madison and Park Aves (212-593-0287, aquavit.org). Subway: E to Fifth Ave–53rd St. 11:45am–2:45pm.
Yes, it’s on the expensive side—$60 for adults, $30 for kids under 12—but this all-you-can-eat smorgasbord will probably end up being your only meal of the day. Indulge in an assortment of fish, salads, cured meats, quiches, or more exotic fare such as roasted elk and calf’s liver pâté. Includes one complimentary cocktail. Reservations recommended.

Artisanal 2 Park Ave at 32nd St (212-725-8585, artisanalbistro.com). Subway: 6 to 33rd St. 11am–5pm.
An entire section of the menu is devoted to grilled cheese sandwiches, so you know the kids will be satisfied while mom noshes on more sophisticated fare such as pulled Berkshire pork with pickled cabbage and Muenster. Entrées hover around $15, which makes the price right. Reservations recommended.

Essex 120 Essex St at Rivington St (212-533-9616, essexnyc.com). Subway: F to Delancey St, J to Essex–Delancey Sts. 11am–4pm.
This downtown hot spot always has a line, but once you’re in, you can snag food and three drinks—choice of mimosa, Bloody Mary or screwdriver—for just 20 bucks. Plus, the menu offers kid-friendly entrées like Manchego mac and cheese. No reservations.

Palo Santo 652 Union St between Fourth and Fifth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-636-6311, palosanto.us). Subway: R to Union St. 10:30am-3pm.
Chef Jacques Gautier puts a twist on traditional Latin-American cuisine at this cozy Park Slope resto. The $15 prix-fixe brunch menu, with dishes such as bean and cheese pupusas, and fish and grits, is offered every weekend, but on May 10 mom gets unlimited mimosas. Reservations recommended.

Peanut Butter & Co. 240 Sullivan St between Bleecker and W 3rd St (212-677-995,ilovepeanutbutter.com). Subway: A, C, E, D, F to W 4th St. 11am–9pm.
For tots without peanut allergies, this low-key eatery spreads joy on two slices of bread. On Mother’s Day, the matriarch’s meal is on the house when the rest of the family buys sandwiches. Reservations recommended.

Piola 48 E 12th St between University Pl and Broadway (212-777-7781, piola.it). Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Noon–midnight.
Perhaps the best deal in honor of the holiday: Mom gets a free pizza or entrée when the rest of the brood buys brunch. No reservations.

Rose Water 787 Union St at Sixth Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-783-3800, rosewaterrestaurant.com). Subway: R to Union St. 10am–3pm.
For just $14, enjoy a prix-fixe menu comprised of local and organic ingredients. Kids can dig into challah French toast while moms savor the decidedly grown-up smoked salmon and striped bass hash. No reservations.

Vintage Irving 120 E 15th St at Irving Pl (212-677-6300, vintageirvingnyc.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. 11am–4pm.
At this small-plates eatery, mom gets an entrée with unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys for just $20–plus all the muffins she can eat. No reservations.

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