One of the silliest characteristics of a diehard Manhattanite is their refusal to ever leave the borough, as if crossing a river will rocket them through the Twilight Zone! But they’d be surprised to know a secret that outer-borough folk have been on to for years: treasures are aplenty when you venture off the grid.

Take brunch for instance. One of New York’s favorite weekend pastimes. Who knew other boroughs would be such a happening place to get your egg on an afternoon? Apparently, those outer-borough folk did; and Manhattanites, it’s time to take heed: brunch does not have to mean a 2 hour wait and a $30 meal. That is, as long as you’re willing to take a train ride to the other side.

Egg, 135 N. 5th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211

Egg is hands-down the perfect place to heal a pickled liver from the night before. Previously operated out of the now defunct Sparky’s hot dog restaurant, Egg serves Southern-style brunch specials all day long, which for the tired and hungover mean two great things: a few extra hours of sleep and a meal filled with nothing but the basics- meat, cheese, egg and bread.

To say the menu is a calorie-counter’s nightmare would be an understatement. But for those with enough adventure to experience real food, try the Eggs Rotho. It’s a slice of brioche filled in the center with running egg sunny-side up and smothered in melted cheddar cheese. Also, the Biscuits and Gravy are an authentic Southern treat and for even more of a down-home feel, try the Country Ham Biscuit served with homemade fig jam, cheddar, and grits. It’s a little slice of heaven.

The only downside to Egg is that their lack of liquor makes hair of the dog not an attainable option. But their French-press coffee as an alternative is a good pick-me-up and for those in dire straits. Brunch mimosas are available.

Just Like Mother’s, 110-60 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, Queens, 11375

New York does Polish food, just not always well. But Just like Mother’s is a welcomed exception to the rule. Conveniently located off the Queens-bound F train, Just like Mother’s has a mean reputation for serving real deal brunch food with a yummy Polish twist. Looking for eggs and sausage? Try the Kielbasa Omelette. How about French toast? Their Babka version will blow your mind.

Best part is Just Like Mother’s serves with authenticity. Their pierogies, especially the must-have sauerkraut and mushroom, are made just right and their potato pancakes are always served the right way: with sour cream AND apple sauce. Plus, even a party of 10 will be able to saddle up to a table virtually any time of day without having to wait until dinner. In other words, good luck finding a comparable place in the city. It would be like nailing jello to a tree: impossible.

Buttermilk Channel, 524 Court St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY 11231

So, you still think outer-borough brunch is nothing but glorified diner food? Well, you are clearly missing the point so let me just nail it home for you: try Buttermilk Channel. It’s a more bourgeois Brooklyn brunch adventure, but at half the price you would spend in Manhattan.

Located in lovely Carroll Gardens, Buttermilk Channel (allegedly) derives its name from either Brooklyn farmers who let their herds graze on Governor’s Island or Manhattan farmers whose milk nearly churned its way to butter on their rough journey over the water. Either way, as a bistro, Buttermilk’s message rings clear: all the food is shade grown, organic and fair trade.

Start with lighter options like the arugula and jersey nectarine salad, which is served with live run goat feta and homemade lime vinaigrette. Or get right down to the nitty-gritty with more hearty choices like the A-B-C grilled cheese, cooked with New York’s own organic cheddar cheese.

Also their buttermilk pancakes, a restaurant staple, really are quite delicious. However, the true gem on the menu is their pecan pie French toast, decadently served with bourbon, molasses and toasted pecans.

Beast, 638 Bergen St., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn 11238

On the rare occasion that servers are up to their eyeballs in busy tables, service can be spotty. But at all other times Beast is a great destination for tapas and brunch entrees. Not to mention, their prices are pretty unbeatable.

For only $11.95 (with coffee/tea) or $13.95 (with a bloody mary/mimosa), diners can indulge in pan-seared scallops with white wine garlic sauce, which is paired with a baby green salad and couscous pilaf. Also, more adventurous eaters will enjoy the chorizo hash topped with chipotle spiked hollandaise and diced potato. Brunch purists can even chow down on steak and eggs for under $20, which pretty much beats the competition. Enjoy all this while dining in Beast’s cozy, medieval-inspired atmosphere, of course!

Elysian Café, 1001 Washington St. Hoboken, New Jersey

For most New Yorkers, New Jersey is a world that’s meant to be left untouched. But in the off-chance that you find yourself in the Dirty Jerz (after, say, a drunken one-night stand?) rest assured you won’t die of starvation on your train ride back across the Hudson.

Elysian Café offers the usual brunch staples- Eggs Benedict, Florentine and every other which way- as well as delicious French options like the Warm Roast Beef Au Poivre served on rosemary foccacia bread with mushrooms. Also, the Croque Madame, a warm mix of ham, gruyere, fried egg and pommes frites is especially delicious if you’re looking for something that will fill you up throughout the day.

The Elysian also serves an outstanding Cinnamon and Amaretto French Toast, drizzled in Vermont Maple Syrup and with your choice of bacon or sausage. Better yet? Whether seated inside or out, the décor of Elysian will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Paris and are dining in a swanky street café. Bon appetite, indeed!