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Any New Yorker can tell you that there’s a certain buzz in the air on the weekend of the TCS New York City Marathon. You may not be running the 26.2 miles, but you can certainly get in on the fun by watching — and eating and drinking — along the route. Whether you’re waiting for the start at the foot of the Verrazano–Narrows Bridge in Brooklyn or catching finishers at Central Park, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops where you can indulge during the marathon. After all, you’re not the one running, so you might as well live a little.
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Where to Eat and Drink While You Cheer On the TCS New York City Marathon
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The Lock Yard
Brooklynites along the marathon route will be happy to get up early to watch the runners from Lock Yard, Bay Ridge’s trendiest new bar. The outdoor beer garden (heated, in case marathon day is chilly) is fully stocked with a rotating list of craft beer, but come early to get a spot for boozy brunch. Load up on mimosas or the “monster” Bloody Mary, with a side of chicken and waffles or the Lobst’ah BLT.
Café Zona Sur
When cheap mimosas and a hearty breakfast are your thing, Café Zona Sur is your place. The Sunset Park restaurant is an ideal spot for filling up early on Marathon Sunday; try the huevos rancheros or the lemon ricotta pancakes. Oh, and drink prices couldn’t be cheaper — prosecco by the glass is only $10 and wine is $7 to $8.
Dough
For a quick break from the temperatures, grab a coffee and doughnut from one of the best shops in Bed-Stuy, perhaps the whole borough. The handmade doughnuts have achieved cult status in the borough for good reason: they’re made in small batches, fried to perfection, and topped with an array of bold flavors. Try the hibiscus or blood orange doughnuts for a sweet and fruity combo, or the salted chocolate caramel for a blast of chocolatey goodness.
Brasserie Witlof
Brasserie Witlof, built into the historic Williamsburg Bank on Bedford Avenue, is right along the parade route. The bistro has some of the best views of the runners on the block, so stop in for a Belgian beer and a croque monsieur for a more upscale Marathon Sunday brunch.
Lobster Joint
A really easy solution to warm up during the marathon? Pop into Greenpoint’s Lobster Joint for a bowl of lobster corn chowder or clam chowder. Or, if you’re feeling very fancy, order a lobster roll and a cocktail to take away the chill — you can pretend it’s summer outside if you’re drinking a dark and stormy.
John Brown Smokehouse
Kansas City-style barbecue is what’s on the menu at John Brown Smokehouse, and by the time the runners get to Long Island City, you’ll need some serious sustenance. Split a meat platter, share some ribs with friends, and don’t forget to order a side of burnt ends.
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The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites
When the runners head into Manhattan via the Queensboro Bridge, you’ll most definitely want to be sipping a coffee (or beer) at The Jeffrey, located at the base of the bridge. It’s a great stopping-off joint for a warming coffee or brew — the 30-plus taps are always pouring the best the city’s craft breweries have to offer — but brunch is always a solid bet. Come for the Bloody Marys, stay for the chorizo quesadillas.
BAR-Coastal
You’ll need a no-frills sports bar if you’re beating the Upper East Side crowd, and Bar-Coastal, right along the route on First Avenue, is it. Grab a quick beer and some wings if you’re hungry.
Café Sabarsky
As the runners come full circle back through Central Park, Museum Mile is the place to watch. Café Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie is an institution on the block — you’ll feel as though you stepped into an old-school Viennese cafe. Sip on a kleiner mokka (espresso) or a gluhwein and snack on pastries to end the day.
The Plaza Food Hall
Once the runners have officially finished, head to the smorgasbord that is the Plaza Food Hall, just off of Central Park. French pastries from Epicerie Boulud? Subs from No. 7 Subs? Lobster rolls from Luke’s Lobster? Treat yourself to it all — you’ve worked hard, eating all day.
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