Description
Pay no attention to the Euro-sounding name: The West Village’s La Bonbonniere is essentially a classic American diner. Its menu is of the endless type found in spots that haven’t been susceptible to the current trend of paring down to just the best, and maybe that’s for good reason: It’s difficult to find the best at La Bonbonniere because it’s all pretty good. The blueberry pancakes are sweet, the bacon is crispy, and the “famous” French toast is fine (though maybe not fame-worthy). Even the toast is good, and the coffee goes down better than most diner swill. The laid back atmosphere sometimes invites chaos. No reservations and seat-yourself service plus a prime spot in the West Village adds up to a fairly hectic brunch rush, but it’s worth it for a greasy spoon, no-fuss, unassuming breakfast. --Shane Barnes
