NYC BRUNCHIN'

Everyone knows I LOVE BRUNCH. I can literally go to brunch everyday of the week. I mean, who wouldn't want to sip on unlimited mimosas for two or three hours while catching up with friends?

This past Sunday I headed to NYC for a business trip and of course I made sure to see my fave New Yorkers while I was in town. My bestie, Ashlee, recommended Ricardo's Steakhouse which is located in East Harlem on 110th & 2nd Ave - quick train ride off the 6 train.

Now, I have been to Ricardo's on many of dates back in my NYC days - don't judge! I was a struggling PR girl who ate ramen noodles many of nights. However, my old roommate Kelli discovered Ricardo's has a Champagne Brunch on the weekends from 12-4pm - I MEANNNN, AMAZING!

Ricardo's Steakhouse is a staple in East Harlem. It is on the most random, quietest block and then there is Ricardo's. Very unassuming but as soon as you walk in you know you're going to have a great time. It is ALWAYS lit in this place, from the Sangria bar (that are not watered down) to the amazing food, it is a win in my book. As you know, when you are going out for unlimited brunch with friends you can't get both, good good and good drinks - it just doesn't work like that lol. Meaning, you can't get chocolate wasted while enjoying good food, all for under $40. As you probably know you either get great food and OK drinks or strong AF drinks with bad food - whatever you feel like, right?

Ricardo's is not the case for brunch. The unlimited Mimosa prices are not bad. $20.00 for original Mimosas or $25.00 for specialty ones - Watermelon Mimosas (yaaas) or Bellinis. This is of course added on to your entree cost which could range from $18.00 for shrimp and grits to $25.00 for steak and eggs - but remember the food is GOOD! If you don't feel like spending the mula on unlimited mimosas you have the option of getting their famous sangria which is marked down to a very happy brunch price of $5.00. By the time you have three glasses of Sangria you won't need a fourth - they are strong AF. Special side note - if you're not into the brunch dishes you can always order off the regular dinner menu which is also amazing. 

My only con - Ricardo's is very loud. So if you are going to gaze into the eyes of your boo and have an intimate conversation, this is not the place for you. Between the Birthday shout outs which are actually pretty funny (The DJ blasts 50 Cent's 'In Da Club' while lighting a club sparkler on top of a ice cream sundae), the DJ is playing R&B music while everyone is eating - don't get me wrong it is a great time but it is not the place to 'catch up'. 

side note: My bestie's birthday is in June and I couldn't help but ask for a Birthday shout out. She looked at us with pure hatred - it was amazing LOL.

If you're in the NYC area, I highly recommend Ricardo's for a cute, turn up brunch and you will definitely be tipsy & full when you leave - no need to go to the corner store to get post-brunch food. 

Cheers to eating!