Blueprint

I have had many a cocktail at Blueprint, but I also highly recommend their brunch.  Eating outside in their spacious patio, enjoying corn beef hash or one of the other excellent brunch items is one of my favorite things to do in the spring or fall.  Although they have not changed the menu much in the past two years, I still go back for the excellent bloody marys and food.  I have had and enjoyed:

the corned beef hash
the creamy polenta
Biscuits and turkey gravy
and have splurged for the duck club.

The only one I would not recommend is the duck club, which is not worth the 18 dollar price tag.  But overall, Blueprint is probably my favorite brunch on 5th ave, and I highly recommend it.

Love this place. It's never too crowded or too empty. Staff is great. The bartender, Andy, really knows his stuff too. My favorite drink here is the smoky mary, still tastes good no matter which bartender makes it. The only food I ordered here was a cheese and meat platter, which was perfect to share with 4 people. This place is great for groups. Also has outside seating in the back. Although, there seems to be a lot of ants on the plants.

This is my favourite bar in NYC. The bartenders cocktail skills are just top notch. Their main drink list is great but what I love is that you can come up with a concept for a drink and they will make up something on the spot which has, so far, always did the job and then some. My latest attempt was when I asked something which would taste like Summer, and it did!
The food menu is simple but everything is great, something to do with using quality products. The staff is great, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The decor is both classic and cozy, with subdued lights and music, and thank god no TV.
The place works great whether you're by yourself,or  for a date night, or in a group, though it is not huge, so anything over 8 people would probably be a problem, unless you colonize the outside patio, which is super nice in the summer.