You know what's nice? The weekend. What else? Breakfast. And breakfast on the weekend in New York City means brunch, and no, we're ain't talking about a Carrie and co. gab-fest, we're more about a Keith Moon hair-of-the-dog and greasy meal fest. Don't believe us? Just say hello at one of the Best Drinking Brunch Spots in New York City, and we'll see who's under the table then.
By Frederick McKindra
VAMOS!
348 First Avenue
212-358-7800
vamosnyc.com
• Slicing into a stack of pan a la Francesca (French toast) or huevos rancheros, it comes to you—the name of the chick seated across from you. By your second free frozen margarita, you're the same charming guy she met last night. By the third, you've got up the nerve to ask her her name again.
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TAPEO 29
29 Clinton St.
212-979-0002
tapeo29.com
• Certainly NOT the spot for morning-after chit-chats. Exposed wood and brick facades, intimate tapas options like the Chorizo al Vino, and unlimited mimosas, bellinis, and bloody marys, will have you stammering sweet missives to your future wifey. Besides, the early morning bar staff is all-girl. And they pour a stiff drink.
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TRE
173 Ludlow St.
212-353-3353
trenewyork.com
• A slick, railroad-style eatery with brunch options to inflate your stomach and your ego (the man-sized Tre Burger features Angus beef, spinach, and goat cheese). Wade through the river of blinking co-eds with an unlimited champagne flute to air out your hangover on the back patio. Or better yet, just tread the water inside.
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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY BBQ & BAR
1460 Second Avenue
212-249-1001
southernhospitalitybbq.com
• The gravy smothering your Southern fried steak may feel like the consistency of your brain. But it sure tastes better. Wash it all down with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, then impress your friends with a slurred southern drawl.
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BONE LICK PARK
75 Greenwich Avenue
212-647-9600
bonelickpark.com
• After christening this juke-joint inspired West Village eatery, some dirty-mouthed Southerner paired pulled pork with mac 'n cheese and called it brunch, then decided to pour endless mimosas, bloody marys, and margaritas. Matching that hospitality, the kitchen staff fries up catfish filets when your appetite for French toast goes stale.
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HK
523 9th Avenue
212-947-4208
hkhellskitchen.com
• So you didn't make it past the door last night because your sneakers were a must. Here, the décor alone could heal that wound. The comfort food comes "fly'er than the rest of 'em"—steamed mussels with French fries or smoked salmon on a platter. The unlimited champagne cocktails? A must-have velvet rope accessory.
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SUNBURNT COW; BONDI ROAD
137 Avenue C; 153 Rivington St.
212-529-0005; 212-253-5311
thesunburntcow.com
• Funny accents aside, Sunburnt Cow (and its Australian kin Bondi Road) lives up to its non-stop mimosa/bloody mary/screw driver/greyhound/Foster's hype with menu options like the "Hamburger with the Lot" or the "Barrier Reef Benedict". Their abbreviated offerings carry enough surprises—crabcakes with hollandaise—to demand a translation from the all-Aussie staff.
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CAFECITO BOGOTA
1015 Manhattan Ave. (Brooklyn)
718-569-0077
cafecitobogota.com
• After draining your first glass of sangria, arepas for brunch will taste a lot less strange. The stuffed corn pockets make an unlikely appearance on this brunch menu, alongside more familiar french toast and eggs benedict options. No less confusing, the restaurant pours Latin-inspired wine cocktails until you say stop.
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SCOTTADITO
788A Union St. (Brooklyn)
718-636-4800
scottadito.com
• Changing clothes for the weekend, this Tuscan standout produces American brunch plates with rustic Italian touches, like omelettes with prosciutto and ricotta and french toast with chocolate hazelnut spread. With continuous champagne cocktails, eating among the wine racks may seem redundant.
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THE LODGE
318 Grand St. (Brooklyn)
718-486-9400
lodgenyc.com
• Serving a menu as varied as the hipster bedhead sculptures surrounding you, this Williamsburg hot spot turns out cheese grits that could crash an ocean liner (in a good way). The 2-for-1 deal on bloody marys and mimosas remains the same, while dishes change on a seasonal schedule.
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