WEST VILLAGE. Don't let the diminutive size of Ino fool you ­ this Italian wine bar serves up munchies that are huge on taste! Lone lunchers or small groups are most common here, and you will see many worker-bees who have dashed out for a quick noontime bite. Favorites are the creative sandwiches and the classic bruschetta. Light appetites should try the Panini, which comes in variations such as prosciutto with soft Italian cheese and sweet onion or roasted vegetables and goat cheese.

MIDTOWN WEST. This gourmet sandwich empire provides a convenient way to eat well on the on-the-go. Delicacies might include the heirloom tomato BLT with aioli, or slow-roasted pork, red cabbage, jalapenos and mustard on ciabatta rolls. Juices, coffee drinks and ice cream are also served. Seating available at most locations. TRAIN: B, D, F, V to 47th-50th Sts-Rockefeller Center#13;#10;

UPPER EAST SIDE. If you're looking for a great place to have brunch on the Upper East Side, you'll find that this eatery ranks highly with locals. 540 Park is renowned for its "power breakfasts" and brunches alike. After hours, the restaurant morphs into the infinitely popular Feinstein's, one of the Upper East Side's most exclusive places to grab an expensive cocktail ­ the kicky cosmos are tops ­ and catch a fabulous cabaret act here, either. Breakfast and brunch reservations are neccessary. TRAIN: B, Q, N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St

HARLEM. Just a few blocks north of Central Park, you'll find this cozy eatery, where the borough's more affluent residents tend to dine. Painted in friendly yellow and sporting an impressive collection of original African-American art, Amy Ruth's takes comfort food to the highest level. Each entrée is named after prominent African-American, from the Don King Ribs to the Al Sharpton waffle plate. TRAIN: 2, 3 to 116th St

CHELSEA. This quaint little breakfast and lunch stop, located in the trendy Chelsea Market, is popular for its delicious homemade baked goods. Inside, you'll see Amy's latest baked offerings like "Organic Rustic Italian," "Organic Whole Wheat Baguette," or "Black Olive Fougasse" stacked in the bins around the counter. Breakfast fare includes a vast selection of scones, muffins, sticky buns, Irish soda bread and more. The neighborhood folks crowd in daily for Amy's unique take on traditional lunch fare ­ a grilled cheese and tomato seasoned with cilantro and chipolte red pepper or ham with swiss on potato onion dill bread. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St.