New York City Marathon Guide 2009

by Justine Goodman - Citysearch Editor - 39 Reviews - 40 Lists

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From the archives: October 26, 2009

The 2009 New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1, and runs from the Varrazano Bridge to Central Park. Whether you plan to booze, brunch, cheer or sneer from the sidelines, with our guide you'll have the inside scoop on the best spots to watch the runners at all points along the race. (Photo: Courtesy of New York Road Runners)

On this page:Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Pt. 1, Manhattan, Pt. 2.

Brooklyn

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Brooklyn Academy Of Music
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    30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (map)

    Several mid-race weddings have been held here.

  2. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Greenpoint Tavern
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    188 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Do thousands of pounding feet making your hangover worse? Order a 32-ounce Styrofoam cup of Bud at this dive.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Supercore
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    305 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    After watching all that running, relax with some sake, Japanese snacks and ambient music at this intimate Williamsburg bar.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Enid's
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    560 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (map)

    Cheer the runners on to Queens, then settle into Williamsburg's hipster HQ for a bite.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Olea
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    171 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (map)

    Enjoy a Mediterranean brunch at this Fort Greene staple while watching the marathoners run right by the restaurant.

  6. 6 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Bridgeview Diner
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    9011 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209 (map)

    Grab breakfast and a cup of coffee to go to keep you warm while you watch the race.

Queens

  1. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Tournesol
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    50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101 (map)

    Proclaim your felicitations while lunching on bistro fare.

  2. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Dominie's Hoek
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    48-17 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101 (map)

    Enjoy American grub from this restaurant and bar's outdoor patio after watching the runners' two-mile stint through Queens.

  3. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center
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    22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (map)

    Get a little art fix while waiting for the runners.

  4. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Creek & The Cave
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    10-93 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (map)

    Rest your bones with a beer and a Cal-Mex meal at this cavernous cafe's big garden patio.

Manhattan, Pt. 1

  1. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended O'Flanagans
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    1215 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    Fire up your rooting spirit at this Irish pub.

  2. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Maya
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    1191 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    Margaritas and high-end Mexican are surefire energy sources.

  3. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Pongal Restaurant
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    1154 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    In a show of solidarity to the healthful runners, chow down on vegetarian Indian food.

  4. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bar-Coastal
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    1495 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    Imagine you're relaxing on a California beach--while your buddies sweat it out on 1st Avenue.

Manhattan, Pt. 2

  1. 15 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Central Park
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    5th Ave to Central Park W and 59th St to 110th St, New York, NY 10024 (map)

    The runners enter the park at 90th Street so grab a bench and watch them go by.

  2. 16 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Boathouse Cafe
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    E 72nd St & Park Dr N, New York, NY 10028 (map)

    Brunch right on the home stretch at this scenic cafe in Central Park.

  3. 17 Marcus Garvey Park
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    120th St to 124th St, New York, NY 10035 (map)

    In recent years, the break for the finish has been made here at mile 22, where viewing is wide open.

  4. 18 3 Star Rating: Average Tavern on the Green
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    Central Park W, New York, NY 10023 (map)

    The Finish Line Banquet takes place at this Central Park fixture.