Café Orlin. Location: East Village. St. Mark’s and 2nd Ave. Scene: Outdated. Groups. Mid 20′s. Food: Mediterranean. Poached Eggs over Potato Cake. Feta Cheese and Spinach Omelet.Tabouli Plate. Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Yogurt.

Chek Recs:

1. Breakfast Sandwich: Bacon, Egg, Cheddar on Challah Bun + Salad (above).
2. Brioche French Toast and Maple Syrup.
3. Side of Yemenite Fried Dough (above).

Café Orlin is a high demand brunch spot for locals. It’s under the radar, low-key and most dishes are $12 and under. Groups of good looking young singles gather here for yummy French Toast and Mediterranean fare including outrageous Yemenite Fried Dough. This plate of dough is actually not as heavy as fried carnival treats and tastes both sweet and salty. Def something you should order a side of- just for kicks. The bright orangey walls inside are not doing anyone a favor, and if the weather is nice, snag a table outside under the peaceful awning. The restaurant is set back  from the street providing great people watching on one of the craziest streets, St. Mark’s. However, when the crowds roll in around 12:30 and stare your table and food down, be prepared to feel like an animal on display in a zoo. Come to Café Orlin for an easy, legit, good brunch or when you need to mix it up from your regular weekend hot spot!