VIBE

Rain, sleet, hail, or heat wave, there’s a line down the block trying to get into this cute West Village corner café. We chalk it up either to the bohemian allure or the fabulous brunch bites and to-die-for fruit tarts (most likely the latter). The interior is teeny tiny; in warmer months, most guests squeeze into the cramped sidewalk tables to breakfast on incredibly affordable French morning staples like crunchy frites, apple-stuffed pancakes, and, of course, the tarte du jour.

CROWD

A mix of young, hip Villagers, ladies who lunch, couples, and maybe even a celeb or two. (Gerard Butler has been scoped here!)

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Fit in with the stylish crowd and go for a patterned dress or belted tunic with designer jeans and chic flats.

GO HERE WITH

A friend; significant other; a date; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

One bite of the decadent fare (especially the brunch and the tarts) and you’ll forget all about the wait. You can’t say you’ve really done the West Village without stopping here.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The long lines. Also, cramped seating makes for achy legs.

GOOD TO KNOW

Cash only and reservations not accepted. Alcohol is BYOB, so feel free to pick up a bottle of wine beforehand (everyone else does). We recommend trying the tarte du jour for a main or getting slice of a sweet tart for dessert (or both!)–basically, whatever you order, do not leave without trying a tart! Takeout and delivery are available.

CLOSEST COMPS

Ladurée (Paris); La Conversation (Los Angeles); La Brea Bakery (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.