Walk into Beso on a weeknight and you're almost guaranteed to have the place to yourself. You can be sure there will be fruity, redolent sangria or innovative Nuevo Latino-inspired dishes, like lamb with mint mojo or plantain-crusted fried oysters, but your server won't be used to having actual customers at that time of night. On the flip side, just try to get a table for brunch on Saturday or Sunday. It's insanely crowded, and despite brunch specials at restaurants up and down Fifth Avenue, Beso is the only spot with such brunch intensity. Perhaps it's because they pair creative choices like Latin eggs Benedict with chorizo and yucca hash browns with more familiar pancake-type offerings. Beso packs 'em in and sends 'em out full and woozy from strong mimosas. Perfect way to start the weekend. -- Erin Franzman

http://search.cityguide.aol.com - voted 8th in Best Brunch in New York 2007