Sarabeth's

Here's a case where the fact that the restaurant's reputation is justified doesn't make it any easier to wait on line for brunch with a hungry two-year-old. Is it worth the wait? Possibly.

It's hard to beat the fresh-baked breakfast goodies, fairy tale-themed porriges, and famous jam. The trick is to get to Sarabeth's either first thing (9am is usually a good bet), or at an off-peak hour.

Each location - there are four - keeps different hours and slightly different menus, though there are cross-over, mainstay items.

The Whitney location may be the best bet, crowd-wise, but is only open for lunch (Tue-Fri) and brunch (on weekends. And, of course, desserts any time during operating hours.

The newest link in the chain, at the Chelsea Market, serves breakfast and lunch, Mon-Sat, and is the only location that offers to deliver - with a $7 minimum.