By Aynsley Karps
Courtesy of New York Road Runners
Everyone knows marathoners need nourishment before the big race. But you can’t forget about the hungry crowd lining the streets who also demand good food (to help cheer better, natch). To get you ready to watch the ING New York City Marathon this Sunday, November 1, we've compiled a list of 26 restaurants all along the 26.2-mile route.
MILE 2
Leske’s Bakery
7612 Fifth Ave. near 76th St., Brooklyn; 718-680-2323
This Scandinavian bakery opens at 7 AM and is only a block away from the race, so you’ll be able to grab some coffee and a sweet breakfast pastry early before claiming a winning spot on the sidelines.
7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th Sts., Brooklyn; 718-833-8200
Cheer on the runners and then head over to this New American in Bay Ridge, which opens at 11:30 AM, to get your own marathon started with a $25 endless-cocktail brunch.
MILE 4
813 55th St., 2nd Fl. at Eighth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-871-2880
It’s a bit of a trek from the race on Fourth Avenue, but worth it for those craving Hong Kong–style dim sum.
MILE 5
4508 Fifth Ave. at 45th St., Brooklyn; 718-871-7627
Just a block away from the action, here is some authentic Mexican cuisine on the cheap.
MILE 6
330-332 Fifth St. at Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-832-9777
This French spot is opening a half-hour early (10 AM) for brunch on marathon day.
86 Fifth Ave. between Prospect Pl. and St. Mark’s Ave., Brooklyn; 718-783-2900
Pick up a sweet beverage, maybe a frozen hot cocoa or chocolate stout float, to give you a boost while you watch.
MILE 7
524 Court St. at Huntington St., Brooklyn; 718-852-8490
While the runners are traveling North, you can go South with pecan pie French toast, short rib hash and fried pork chops and cheddar waffles at this New American in Carroll Gardens.
MILE 8
409 Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Nevins Sts., Brooklyn; 718-858-9190
After watching runners go around one of the first real bends of the race onto Lafayette Avenue, walk a couple of blocks to this Boerum Hill bistro.
364 Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Hoyt Sts., Brooklyn; 718-852-9945
Also near the Lafayette turn is this restaurant and bakery is open from 11 AM–3 PM, so you can either get brunch before you watch the race or sit down for a cupcake afterward. Or both!
MILE 8.5
455 Myrtle Ave between Washington and Waverly Aves., Brooklyn; 718-643-7001
This popular brunch spot in Clinton Hill offers a menu that ranges from brie and berry pancakes to a breakfast burrito to a prosciutto sandwich.
MILE 11
135A N. Fifth St. between Bedford Ave. and Berry St., Brooklyn; 718-302-5151
The line for brunch at this popular spot off Bedford is always long, so get there early if you're looking for some rib-sticking morning fare.
MILE 12
180 Franklin St. at Java St., Brooklyn; 718-389-2806
This New American in Greenpoint specializes in ultra-hearty brunch fare, although it does have some healthy options like Green Eggs No Ham (eggs cooked with spinach).
MILE 13
2-01 50th Ave. between East River and 49th Sts., Queens; 718-392-5000
Walk east a few blocks from the race and you’ll hit this New American right along the water in Long Island City.
MILE 15
River Walk Bar and Grill
425 Main St., Roosevelt Island; 646-833-7050
If you’re looking for a real show, travel to Roosevelt Island and watch the runners as they go across the Queensboro Bridge. Afterward, head over to River Walk for fare like bacon cheddar scones and strawberry pancakes.
MILE 16
14 E 58 St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-991-6644
Watch the runners enter Manhattan at 59th Street and then walk west for a hamburger fix. Stick around for awhile, and you’ll catch the runners again as they approach the end of the race.
MILE 17
1307 Third Ave. between 74th and 75th Sts., Manhattan; 212-472-0970
Known for its vegan menu, Candle Café is doing a carb-loading pasta special all day Saturday for runners – and on Sunday for those who want to emulate them.
MILE 18
1865 Second Ave. at 96th St., Manhattan; 212-996-3274
This Caribbean presents a special four-course prix fixe brunch for $14.95 from 11 AM–2 PM, complete with bread basket, soup, omelete and dessert.
MILE 19
2167 Third Ave. at 118th St., Manhattan; 212-876-8838
As the marathon travels through East Harlem, stop by this Cajun for a $30 jazz brunch with unlimited cocktails.
MILE 20
1 Bruckner Blvd. at Third Ave., Bronx; 718-665-2001
After watching runners “hit the wall” at mile 20, hit brunch at this New American located under the Third Avenue Bridge.
MILE 21
113 W 116th St. between Lenox and Seventh Aves., Manhattan; 212-280-8779
While you wait for the runners, have some fried chicken and waffles (or waffles with any other type of meat).
MILE 22
17 W 125th St. between Fifth Ave. and Lenox Aves., Manhattan; 212-876-9300
This spot right on the route offers soul food with a Caribbean feel.
MILE 23
26 E 91st St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-722-1967
After the runners enter Central Park on 90th Street, stop by for a pie at this thin-crust pizza joint.
MILE 24
26 E 84th St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-717-4407
Grab some breakfast pizza, chocolate chip pancakes or brioche French toast at this Italian right off Central Park.
MILE 25
19 E 52nd St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-754-5011
You’ll need nourishment to cheer your loudest near the end of the race, so fuel up at this Eclectic located in the Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, which starts serving at 7 AM.
MILE 26
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Fl. at 60th St. and Broadway, Manhattan; 212-823-9366
Nosh on a pastry, soup or salad from Thomas Keller’s French bakery while you watch the runners re-enter the park to head for the finish line.