In New York City, Marathon Day is a special kind of citywide holiday. Whether you’re running it yourself, know someone who is, or simply marvel at the strength of the human mind, body, and spirit required to run 26.2 miles, it’s a sight to behold. This year, on Sunday, November 1, over 60,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon, which follows a path that spans all five boroughs, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park.
We’ve all heard about the marathon training essentials and the pre-race carb-loading for the stars of the show, but what about those of us on the sidelines? Many people meet up with friends, colleagues, and family—another beautiful thing about the marathon is that it truly brings everyone together—to watch the race and cheer on the runners. And there are plenty of excellent places to do so along the route. The New York Road Runners officially recommend a few on-course viewing spots, including Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, Williamsburg and Greenpoint, East Harlem, and ticketed viewing spots near the finish line on Central Park at West 66th St. and Columbus Ave. Many bars and restaurants have special marathon street pop-ups, helping to transform the city into a giant block party.
If you’re looking for a good place to have brunch with out-of-towners, or a celebratory post-race dinner, Vogue has you covered. Below, read our list of our favorite cafés, restaurants, bakeries and more near various points of the marathon route in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Happy marathon to all!
With Others
340 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
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With Others on Bedford Ave. (right around mile 13, which is the most electric spot) is a cozy little natural wine bar with the best vibe. It’s one of my go-to weekend spots on any given Sunday, but the last few years, they’ve made Marathon Sunday so special. They throw a party right out front of the bar, opening up magnums of really delicious wines, letting patrons pop in for a snack or warmth. If you are a picky wine drinker who wants a little snack as you lose your voice screaming strangers' names, this is the spot. —Alyssa Hardy, digital director, Teen Vogue
Pizza Wagon
8610 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
The Bay Ridge mainstay has been around for 60 years, and for good reason. The no-frills menu of slices (don’t sleep on the Sicilian!), calzones and garlic sticks has kept generations of locals and visitors alike coming back for more. Truly a can’t-go-wrong spot to carbo-load while watching everyone else do the running. —Jill Weiskopf, VP of communications
Tasty Pastry Shoppe
8216-18 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11228
Another neighborhood favorite, this charming Italian bakery has the most adorable pastries, cakes, and cookies. It’s close enough to the action that you can stop to pick up some excellent treats and coffee before heading over to watch the race. And, as someone with celiac disease, I appreciate that there are always gluten-free options, along with vegan and sugar-free ones, too. — J.W.
Sunset Park Diner & Donuts
889 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
This no-frills institution is perfect for an early breakfast where you can catch the elite runners. There’s nothing gimmicky about this place, and that’s why it’s perfect. There’s also something straightforwardly magic about catching the runners on hour one (or less), before the crowds set in, and they reach the more famous sites. The sense of possibility! And also the long haul ahead of them. —Chloe Schama, senior editor
Vato
226 7th Ave Fl 1, Brooklyn, NY 11215
It’s a little off the marathon path, but Vato is the perfect place to fuel up for a rigorous race watch. I’d suggest getting there early, ordering the Burnt Ends Egg and Cheese Burrito, and scarfing down a concha or cinnamon roll while you wait for it. Maybe take home a pack of their perfect tortillas for the runner in your life? —Joan Kennedy, senior editor, Vogue App
Bar Laika
224 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Bar Laika has my favorite cocktails. They have a delightful tomato margarita and a pickle martini that’s a must-try, plus meat and potato dumplings, marinated cucumbers, and chips and garlic dip for if you’re in the mood for an elevated bar snack. —Irene Kim, editorial production manager, Vogue Runway
Brooklyn Diner
212 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
I remember getting a grilled cheese and Oreo milkshake at Brooklyn Diner after running the marathon and thinking that nothing ever tasted so good! I also recommend going for brunch before cheering and getting the Tony Bennett French toast! —Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
Home Frite
1047 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
My post-race tradition is heading over to Home Frite for a hot dog and French fry. It’s on the route of the race, so once you’re done watching your friends, you can go over, grab a bite, and head back to watch if you wish. Just a warning that there is very little seat space! —I.K.
Choice Market
318 Lafayette Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11238
Unfortunately for me, all the best coffee shops in Clinton Hill (at least on the walk to the G train) closed down (RIP Commune—they still sell wine though.) Nowadays I go to Choice Market: it’s super convenient, and you can also get a pastry or a breakfast burrito to grab a quick bite and caffeine before you go show your support for your friends. —I.K.
Chef Katsu
143 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Chef Katsu is my favorite place to go for a quick meal: a chicken katsu curry or a sandwich. There’s always a crowd on the weekend, and the food comes out super quickly. I personally love to grab Chef Katsu as takeout and go sit at the park across to eat. —I.K.
Locanda Vini e Olli
129 Gates Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Locanda is my favorite restaurant ever. Fun fact: Steff Yotka took me out to dinner here many years ago, and after a visit to the restaurant, I knew I had to move to the neighborhood. They have the best pasta ever (even my friend who came into town from Italy said it was incredible), and it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and bite post-race. —I.K.
Fornino
Multiple locations
The neighborhood spot for wood-fired pizza and calzones, Fornino has multiple locations. But the one on Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint puts you right in the mix, as it’s directly on the marathon route. Get a pizza to share with friends for some spectator carb-loading in solidarity with your runner friends. —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
Peter Pan
727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hands down, without a doubt, no denying: Peter Pan Donuts is the best donut shop in New York. Luckily, it's on Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, around the halfway point of the marathon. Get a blueberry buttermilk or their signature Bavarian cream-filled ones or, my personal favorite, an apple fritter. Also, little-known fact—their breakfast sandwiches are incredible, served on house-made bagels (or “flagels” = flat bagels) and cost a mere fraction of the amount they charge at a much hypeier shop a block away. —Max Berlinger, senior fashion news editor, Vogue Runway
Radio Bakery
135 India St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Chances are, you’ve heard of Radio Bakery. Known for inventive, seasonal croissants that sell like hotcakes, rich focaccia sandwiches, and long lines, the scene outside is an experience in itself. They used to sell out of pretty much everything by the early afternoon, but the Greenpoint location (there’s another in Prospect Heights) has recently reopened after expanding their kitchen, so you may have a better shot of getting what you want. If you want to double-dip in a scene within a scene on marathon day, head to Radio and get a box of treats to enjoy around the race’s midpoint. The topped focaccias are salty and satisfying, but an underrated gem is the brown butter corn cake. —A.G.L.
Bakeri
Multiple locations
Bakeri (pronounced bah-kerr-eee, if you can believe it) has some of the best cinnamon rolls in town. They’re dense, bready, and not cloying. Bakeri has a cooked-to-order menu if you’re looking for a place to brunch after watching your friend whizz by, but for takeaway, you can’t go wrong with their pre-made sandwiches (soppressata and gruyere on ciabatta is a simple, pillowy delight, though you will be covered in flour dust afterwards). —A.G.L.
Mezzaluna
1295 3rd Ave #1, New York, NY 10021
Mezzaluna is a cozy Upper East Side Italian institution, perfect for carb-loading—even if the only marathon you're running is from the sidelines to a bowl of pasta. With news of its impending closure, consider this your excuse to squeeze in one last visit while cheering on runners just two avenues away on First Avenue. —Lilah Ramzi-Goettemann, contributing editor
Brasserie Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Brasserie Boulud just opened in Lincoln Square, a few blocks from the finish line. It’s a perfect place to get a steak frites before cheering people on at the final mile. —C.M.
