From the first flowers of spring to autumn leaves, Manhattan foodies have a chance to brunch at some of the best al fresco restaurants in Downtown New York.

No matter what kind of food you're in the mood for, outdoor brunching in the trendy downtown neighborhoods of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District is an extra-special experience. Here are a few very cool cafes and restaurants that offer brunch under the clear, blue skies of the city. The sun might just be a bit strong, so don't forget your shades.

Revel NYC, West Village

At Revel, you can enjoy a year round garden experience with their unique and innovative retractable roof. A cute bar area, at the back of the restaurant, leads brunch enthusiasts into a charming, hidden oasis of greenery. When the weather is nice, the roof  is opened and sunlight basks the garden. Flowers, plants and small trees decorate this serene scene. The ambiance is ideal for a romantic date, family outing or even a meet-up with friends who you haven't seen in a while.

The garden room is spacious with an intimate feel and can accommodate around 125 guests. Brunch-goers  can enjoy a varied menu that runs from griddle specialties like French Toast, pancakes and egg platters to salads and burgers. House brunch cocktails are served in carafes, which is a really nice touch. Choices include Bloody Mary, Bellini, Mojito, Mimosa and white Sangria.

Brunch menu highlights include the meatpacking omelet, which is aptly named, as it contains bacon, ham, sausage and Swiss cheese. The poached Scotch eggs are blended with Truffles and Fontina cheese on a Brioche roll. Want to take a break from traditional brunch food? Then try the ravioli stuffed with granny Smith apples and Ricotta or the penne alla vodka. You won't go wrong with either dish.

Location and Hours

10 Little West 12th Street, New York NY 10014
(212) 645-5369
www.revelnyc.com

Hours:
Dinner  Mon-Fri  5 PM to 12 AM
Brunch  Sat-Sun 3 seatings 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM
Dinner  Sat-Sun  5:30 PM to 12 AM

The Chester NYC, Meatpacking District

A favorite of neighborhood residents, The Chester has a one-of-a-kind German-style Biergarten for your brunching pleasure. If you want to know what's good in a particular neighborhood, just ask the local residents. The Chester is worth the subway trip or cab ride from just about anywhere in the city. This is, indeed, destination brunching. The Biergarten is a long wooden deck and Pergola that runs along the length of the restaurant. Foliage and greenery decorate the sides and open framework of the Pergola's roof. Even for a city like New York, this is a very unique atmosphere. Whether you choose to brunch indoors or al fresco, The Chester pulsates with the surrounding energy of the Meatpacking District.

Their brunch and lunch menu contains many nontraditional items that you are sure to enjoy. The signature pepper jack chicken sandwich and Vermont cheddar grilled cheese are standouts, as is the Hangar steak, served with waffle fries. Salad selections range from a tasty pumpkin with arugula, an intriguing orange fennel salad, the classic Caesar with white anchovies as well as a charred bean with haricot vert, pistachios and frisee in a red wine vinaigrette. Brunch standbys include a white omelet with spinach and feta cheese, pancakes with bananas and salted caramel, Eggs Benedict with a savory buttermilk biscuit and a brioche French toast accompanied by berry jam. Simply Delicious!

Location and Hours

18 Ninth Avenue, New York NY 10014
(646) 253-2284
thechesternyc.com

Hours:

Mon to Fri  6 AM to 12 AM
Sat to Sun  6 AM to 2 AM

The Park NYC, Chelsea

Cozy and rustic, The Park takes you closer to nature in both their main dining room and the simply gorgeous outdoor garden. Flowers in huge vases adorn the dining area as does a 30-foot tall cluster of bamboo. A bench that was fashioned out of 900-year-old redwood takes center stage near the fireplace. There's no better place to brunch on a cold, winter's night.

But when spring and summer are in full bloom, take advantage of The Park's garden area. With Japanese maple trees and vines of Wisteria everywhere you look, this is the perfect refuge from the noisy hustle and bustle of the city. You feel as though you actually are dining inside a small park. A couple of tin deer and a group of cute little gnomes, scattered throughout the garden, complete this bucolic scene.

Brunch is a very special occasion at The Park. You can order a great cocktail if you wish, like their signature Mango Mimosa. But why not try something different, such as a Berry and bee pollen smoothie, a fresh squeezed mint lemonade or  their beetberry blend, which consists of purple beets, strawberries, raspberries and a dash of red pepper? Indulge yourself with The Parks French Toast with Mascarpone and maple-vanilla syrup, ham and cheese waffle, beet hash with fried eggs or some old-school potato pancakes with brown sugar.

Two of their most popular dishes are the pulled pork and poached eggs with sweet potato hash and  the eggs, sunny side up with creamy parmesan polenta and pancetta. Like a good burger for brunch? Then the must-try dish here is the chef's burger with Havarti cornichons, Jalapenos and bacon marmalade on a fresh baked potato bun.

Location and Hours

118 Tenth Avenue, New York NY 10011
(212) 352-3313
www.theparknyc.com

Hours:

Mon-Thu  11:30 AM to 12 AM
Friday   11:30 AM to  4 AM
Saturday 10 AM to 4 AM
Sunday   10 AM to 12 AM

East of Eighth NYC, Chelsea

At East of Eighth, both the menu and décor are very contemporary. One gets a sense of comfort here, making East of Eight a great place to relax and enjoy a leisurely brunch. And the best spot to enjoy those wonderful brunch cocktails and delicious food is, of course, in their celebrated aqua garden. Serenity is the order of the day as the sound of water, flowing from the garden's fountains, forms the backdrop to quiet conversation.

The restaurant is known for its homemade pate and bread. If you want to catch some sun, no matter what the temperature may be outside, grab a table in the glass-enclosed atrium. You will not be disappointed. The prix-fixe brunch will tempt even the most discerning appetite. The $16.95 price includes a Bloody Mary or Mimosa, coffee or tea and a basket of fresh baked bread and muffins. Entrees include a hearty Breakfast Burrito, the always popular Monte Cristo (Ciabatta French toast filled with ham and Swiss), a lox and bagel platter, Carmen's tuna melt and their signature poached eggs on tagliarini carbonara with twice-smoked bacon.

If you like eggs Benedict, you most certainly have come to the right place. Benedict options include the classic, Guacamole, Florentine, Crab cake or salmon. All choices come with seasoned home fries. One of their most requested dishes is the short rib flannel hash with tomato gravy, accompanied by two poached eggs and cheddar cheese. No matter how much you may like to cook, take advantage of the fact that places like East of Eighth can give you a break from household chores, like doing dishes. Brunching at East of Eighth is the best possible way to transform your day.

Location and Hours

254 West 23rd Street, New York NY 10011
(212) 352-0075
www.eastofeighthny.com

Hours:

MoN-Fri  12 PM to 12 AM
Sat      11 AM to 12:30 AM
SuN      11 AM to  10:30 PM

Almond Restaurant NYC, Flatiron

The innovative cuisine and décor at Almond doesn't follow the trends of the day, it sets trends. Uber cool and chic, Almond is not your mom and dad's brunch place. Although if you brunched with your parents here, they would absolutely love it. Everyone does. The glass and wood paneled interior is warm and welcoming. You can brunch outside at their sidewalk café, which is separated from the street by huge planters that hold small trees and lots of thick, green shrubbery. Call it nature's fence, if you will.

The kitchen offers their own, distinctive take on French bistro food. One of the more popular brunch dishes is the duck and potato hash. They have some lovely egg and benedict dishes to choose from, but if you want to have something that you don't usually make at home, try opting for one of Almond's authentic but also creative French dishes.

Croques gratin selections include the classic Monsieur and Madame as well as tomato and smoked bacon and the showstopper, L'oignon with caramelized onions and bone marrow. It is melt-in-your-mouth good. The most popular plate, anytime of the day, would have to be Le Grand n Macaroni and cheese with prosciutto and chopped truffles.

The chef's sides are intriguing and flavorful. It might be a good idea to create your own personal tasting and order two or three small plates. The cauliflower gratin, chive gnocchi, curried squash puree and hand-crushed potatoes are all heartily recommended. They even offer  no less than six varieties of French fries, including fries with gravy, and fries Quebec-style with cheese curds. You have got to taste this to believe it. Almond has a nice wine and craft beer list to help you unwind from your busy week.

Location and Hours

12 East 22nd Street, New York NY 10010
(212) 228-7557
www.almondrestaurant.com

Hours:

Mon-Fri  11:30 AM to 11 PM
Sat      10:30 AM to 11 PM
Sun      10:30 AM to 9 PM