Brunch bailouts

Can’t get into Prune? A Fed-free bailout package of worthy backups waaaay cheaper than $5 trillion.

Brunch has the potential to be such a pleasant experience. When the first meal of the day involves a mimosa or bloody Mary, it’s hard to go wrong. Throw in a basket of warm pastries, crispy bacon and a perfect poached egg topped with hollandaise, and there’s no better way to celebrate sleeping until noon.

Unfortunately, even in the Open Table era, securing a weekend table at popular brunch spots like Barney Greengrass and Pastis can mean planning three weekends ahead or waiting in line for 75 minutes—and that’s a pre-java 75 minutes, a real patience tester. Thank your western omelet for brunch bailouts, the less-packed alternative within a short walk from the first choice. —Jane Lerner

Pictured: The morning rush at Prune