By Liz Borod Wright, ZAGAT.com staff editor
Marathon spectators get hungry, too. Here are 26 eateries along the 26.2-mile course.
Courtesy of New York Road Runners
The 38,000 runners who will compete in the ING New York City Marathon on November 4th get all the glory – not to mention the free water, flavored power gels and pasta dinners to keep them going. But what about the two-million-plus hungry and thirsty spectators who cheer them on all day? They need fueling too.
If you'll be playing cheerleader that day, here are 26 possible pit stops for noshing at strategic spots along the 26.2-mile course.
Mile 2
Tanoreen
7704 Third Ave. (bet. 77th & 78th Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-748-5600
This Med–Middle Eastern in Bay Ridge opens at 10:30 AM – 20 minutes after the runners take off across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from Staten Island.
Mile 6
Belleville
350 Fifth Ave. (5th St.), Brooklyn, 718-832-9777
Plenty of New Yorkers consider brunching a sport, so get your game on at this low-key local favorite.
Chocolate Room
86 Fifth Ave. (bet. St. Marks Pl. & Warren St.), Brooklyn, 718-783-2900
If it's cold out, warm up with one of this Park Slope cafe's four different kinds of hot chocolate.
Mile 7
Press 195
195 Fifth Ave. (bet. Sackett & Union Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-857-1950
The picky eaters in your group will welcome this Park Slope shop's endless panini combinations (as well as tasty salads).
Nana
155 Fifth Ave. (bet. Lincoln & St. Johns Pls.), Brooklyn, 718-230-3749
With its versatile menu offering everything from sushi to Thai, this friendly Park Slope Asian fusioner is also a good choice for a group.
Mile 8
Thomas Beisl
25 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Brooklyn, 718-222-5800
Duck into this Austrian gem's beer garden for a respite from the throngs of spectators who gather near the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Olea
171 Lafayette Ave. (Adelphi St.), Brooklyn, 718-643-7003
Take a break from cheering by having brunch at this Ft. Greene Med right on the course at Lafayette Avenue.
Mile 10
Roebling Tea Room
143 Roebling St. (Metropolitan Ave.), Brooklyn, 718-963-0760
This edgy Billyburg tearoom with graffiti-style artwork offers WiFi, so if your runner friend gave you her racing number, you can visit www.nycmarathon.org and see where she is on the course.
Mile 11
Fornino
187 Bedford Ave. (N. 7th St.), Brooklyn, 718-384-6004
Don't even think of trying to cross the race at Bedford Avenue – there's no point when you can eat at this innovative Williamsburg pizzeria on the block's east side.
Bonita
338 Bedford Ave. (bet. S. 2nd & 3rd Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-384-9500
Staking out the west side of Bedford? Then check out this budget-friendly Williamsburg Mexican with cool retro decor.
Mile 13
Manducatis
13-27 Jackson Ave. (47th Ave.), Queens, 718-729-4602
Carbo-load like a runner on pastas at this old-world LIC eatery.
Water's Edge
East River & 44th Dr. (Vernon Blvd.), Queens, 718-482-0033
It doesn't open until 5:30 PM, but this seafooder's breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline are worth the wait.
Mile 16
Bistro 61
1113 First Ave. (61st St.), Manhattan, 212-223-6220
After experiencing the only-in-New-York moment of witnessing hordes of runners cross the 59th Street Bridge into Manhattan, take a (very) quick trip to Paris at this old-school French bistro.
Café Evergreen
1288 First Ave. (bet. 69th & 70th Sts.), Manhattan, 212-744-3266
Following a quick lunch of authentic dim sum, you can get right back out there and cheer on the runners, who still have 10 miles to go.
Mile 17
Iron Sushi
355 E. 78th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.), Manhattan, 212-772-7680
First Avenue is one of the most popular places to watch the race, so head off the thoroughfare to this less-trafficked side street for inexpensive yet high-quality sushi.
Chennai
1663 First Ave. (bet. 86th & 87th Sts.), Manhattan, 212-831-1114
The affordable menu at this new vegetarian Indian won't have you running to the ATM.
Ithaka
308 E. 86th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.), Manhattan, 212-628-9100
In an ode to the country where the first marathon was run, enjoy some classic Greek eats in this charming oasis off First Avenue.
Mile 18
Buddha BBeeQ
1750 Second Ave. (bet. 91st & 92nd Sts.), Manhattan, 212-348-7041
In a hurry? The Upper Eastside's only Korean eatery won't take long.
Don Pedro's
1865 Second Ave. (96th St.), Manhattan, 212-996-3274
Get your Latin groove on at this Caribbean–South American restaurant.
Mile 20
Bruckner Bar and Grill
1 Bruckner Blvd. (3rd Ave.), Bronx, 718-665-2001
It may be a few blocks away from the action, but this New American is a popular hangout for SoBro hipsters.
Mile 21
Miss Maude's
547 Lenox Ave. (bet. 137th & 138th Sts.), Manhattan, 212-690-3100
Stop in here for some of the tastiest soul food in Harlem, located one block west of the marathon route.
Mile 22
Ginger
1400 Fifth Ave. (116th St.), Manhattan, 212-423-1111
If watching the runners inspires you to eat more healthily, try this East Harlem Chinese where nothing is fried.
Mile 23
Pintaile's Pizza
26 E. 91st St. (bet. 5th & Madison Aves.), Manhattan, 212-722-1967
After you watch the runners disappear into the East 90th Street entrance of Central Park, grab a slice to go at this tiny whole-wheat-crust pizza place just off Fifth Avenue.
Mile 25
Sarabeth's
40 Central Park S. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), Manhattan, 212-826-5959
Visit the newest location of this classic, midpriced Central Park South bruncher, right on the tail end of the race route.
Mile 26
Bouchon Bakery
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl. (60th St. at B'way), Manhattan, 212-823-9366
Look out on the runners re-entering the park as they head toward the finish line at Tavern on the Green while you savor sumptuous pastries, soups and salads à la Thomas Keller; plus, you can use the bathrooms at the Time Warner Center.
Lobby Lounge
Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, Manhattan, 212-805-8800
Although the marathoners may look like ants from its lofty perch, the Mandarin Oriental's 35th-floor lounge serves up breathtaking views of Central Park, as well as light fare beginning at 11 AM and tea service at 2:30 PM.