Top Five

Gospel Brunches

Whether you're looking for spiritual enlightenment or just want some sounds to wake you up on Sunday morning, these five spots offer up the city's best gospel acts -- not to mention some tasty scrambled eggs.

By Tara Mandy

The Gospel Choir at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.

1. Copeland's

This Harlem institution hosts local talent -- usually three or four singers plus a pianist -- from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. A $21 buffet brunch has stuffed chicken wings, hush puppies, cornbread . . . (547 West 145th Street; 212-234-2357.)

2. Cotton Club

On Saturday afternoons, catch the Phillips Brothers Gospel Group from 1 to 2 or 3:30 to 4:45, and Sundays at the same times, it's Helen Slade and the Spirit of Love Singers; both are backed by a four-piece band. Brunch buffet is $25. (656 West 125th Street; 212-663-7980.)

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3. Sylvia's

Everyone knows Sylvia's, but not everyone has been to hear the Simpsons, the husband-and-wife gospel duo who perform from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Brunch starts at $16.95. (328 Lenox Avenue, near 126th Street; 212-996-0660.)

4. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

The doors open at 12:30 on Sundays for the $35 buffet brunch. A contingent of singers from the Harlem Gospel Choir performs from 1:30 to 2:30, and starting at 2:15, they bring audience members up onstage. (237 West 42nd Street; 212-997-4144.)

5. BAMcafé

On select Sundays, the $23 soul-food brunch is accompanied by traditional and contemporary gospel ensembles from New York churches; performances from 2 to 4 p.m. (30 Lafayette Avenue, at Ashland Place, Brooklyn; 718-636-4139; reopens September 29.)