It seems counter-intuitive to wake up early on a Saturday or Sunday to wait in line to eat brunch. Yet it happens all around the country; in all the places I’ve lived, people are always willing to wait to get that greatly desired brunch—be it a local pancake place or the big box version: IHOP.

But, it seems even crazier to wait in line for brunch in the West Village. Why wait half an hour for brunch when on any given block you find somewhere to pay 15 dollars for two eggs and bacon? Extra Virgin, is that place where people are willing to wait—45 minutes to sit outside; 15 minutes, inside (during prime brunch hours). If New Yorkers can invest the time for it, it might at least be worth checking out.

The host showed us to our seat inside, where we were sitting almost on top of the people next to us. Even though the dining room is very cramped, something about the design feels open. The large mirror at the back and intelligent paint job really opens up the small dining room. Throughout the meal, the waitress never made me feel like I had to eat faster or pay quicker even though more of her tips were waiting in the pockets of the mob outside. The environment was lively and woke me up, but not overly head-pounding for a Sunday morning. 

Right after the host seated us, the coffee came out warm and fresh. But by far the best part of Extra Virgin’s brunch is the chef’s ability to equally execute a breakfast item and a lunch item. The eggs benedict ($12) like Extra Virgin itself seem to be a popular dish for a reason.  The eggs are cooked perfectly and can be topped with a tasty portion of smoked salmon for a dollar more. If eating breakfast at half past 12 isn’t your thing, their sandwiches are also well put together. The oregano roasted chicken sandwich ($12) is a classic spin on the ever popular “California” sandwich—including the always-hip halved avocado. But, the key is the cucumber yogurt; a fresh way to even out the spice.

Eggs Benedict

If you’re still having any doubts (i.e. ugh-I-don’t-want-to-pay-for-breakfast or ugh-I-don’t-want-to-wait-for-breakfast), then you should take note—selling a photo of a pseudo-celebrity might break you even. I’m only kind of kidding.

Extra Virgin
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
259 W. 4th Street

Photo by Max Zorick