Brunch at Friedman’s Lunch

Friedman’s Lunch signage; Interior; Cappuccino and Latte

Friedman’s Lunch is one of the few casual, sit-down restaurants in Chelsea Market. I’ve passed this restaurant myriad of times over the years and always remembered seeing it being bustling during the afternoon hours.

I finally went there for brunch as my friend and I wanted to do eat somewhere different. Entering this narrow restaurant, packed to the gills of diners, it’s a homey kind of place with industrial touches from the exposed brick and metal pipes. We were fortunate to have a table available without much waiting, even though a crowd built up in the front shortly. We immediately ordered a latte ($4) and cappuccino ($3.50), as we need the caffeine ot start our…morning (even though it’s past 12 PM).

Fried Chicken & Waffles and Fried Green Tomatoes

Among the first dishes we had was the fried chicken and waffles ($17). A wonderfully hot, crispy edged waffle that isn’t too sweet that it’s a great base to the three large pieces of fried chicken (a wing, breast, and thigh). It makes complete sense once you drizzle in their sweet honey tobasco sauce. For me, I prefer an extra couple of dashes of tobasco, as I like my food a touch more spicier, if necessary.

The chilaquiles is a beautiful mess of shredded chicken, fried tortillas, tomatillo sauce, avocado, cotija cheese, two over easy eggs, and crema ($15). This is highly recommended for someone who wants to be full, as it is a heavy dish but it was balanced out with the mild spiciness from the tomatillo sauce.

When we were deciding upon sharing a side, our waiter highly recommended the fried green tomatoes ($4), four golden brown slices of tomatoes with a delightful, delicately crisp crust. You do have to order it.

Our gruyère cheeseburger ($14, includes the $1 cheese supplement) is made of Creekstone Farms ground beef brisket, cooked to a perfect medium-rare with a side of herbed fries and dill pickle. The burger was nice and juicy . The fries were good, though I prefer it a touch more crispier.

The best was saved for the last (unintentionally when we had it) – the grilled Reuben sandwich ($14). This magnificent sandwich has buttered toasted rye, filled with saurkraut, lots of juicy, thick cut pastrami, gruyère with a smear of Russian dressing.

I would be a very happy person just having this sandwich (multiple times despite the fact it is a hearty sandwich). It’s worth eating these extra calories and burn it in the gym a couple of hours later.

If I worked near Friedman’s Lunch, this would be one of my standbys (they do have delivery). They serve delicious, hearty fare that is very reasonably priced.

To view more photos of this event, please view the slideshow below (or CLICK HERE for my photo set):

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Information:
Friedman’s Lunch
Website
Inside Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
Telephone: (212) 929-7100