The Bonwit Inn: Brunch Specials For All Tastes

The Bonwit Inn claims to have the "best brunch in Long Island," according to a sign on the side of the restaurant. 

Their brunch – all you can eat for $21.95 – is a Sunday special in Commack, one that has everything from Belgium waffles to fried calamari and continues to dessert. 

"Sunday Brunch has been happening here like this for twelve years or so," says restaurant manager James Dunbar. "We offer a wide selection of hot and cold items, including a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mamosa."

From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., diners can eat unlimited items from the cold buffet. This includes peel-your-own shrimp and crab, smoked salmon, whitefish, four different salads, fruits, vegetables and cheeses. 

At the all-you-can-eat omelet and waffles station, omelets are cooked with your choice of cheeses, meats, and vegetables sauteed in at your request. 

Catering pans are filled with hot bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and potatoes, kept warm by steam and sterno flame containers. Piping hot dishes of fried calamari – lightly battered and tender – eggplant rolatini, baked clams, baked sole and penne a la vodka are also an option.

"This is why we come here for brunch!"  Gail Keller of Commack said as she reached for a piece of chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar. "Homemade desserts...and it's all-you-can-eat!" 

"We've been coming here since 1976," said Mel Kranston, also of Commack. "I'm here with my kids and their families. It's the only place around with tables big enough for all of us to sit comfortably together. And with the buffet, everyone can eat what they want."

Mel's daughter, Susan, first came to the Bonwit Inn for her sixth grade graduation dinner in 1979. Now she says she eats Sunday brunch here every other month.

"My whole family lives in Commack – my two brothers and my sister and their families. There are a lot of us," she said. "Nobody has a dining room big enough to fit us all! That's why this place is perfect. And the omelets and waffles are so good!"