The weather is finally giving us a break! Now we can celebrate longer days and warmer temps. We all know there is no better way to enjoy the weekend than by having brunch with the gang. Outdoor seating, French toast to die for—but no matter what; the best part of brunch is the alcohol! We’ve searched high and low for the choicest brunches to get the biggest bang for your buck—in booze.
Yerba Buena
23 Ave. A(@ E. 2nd St.)
East Village 212.529.2919
If it’s time to add some tang to your brunch, we suggest Yerba Buena, where the Latin spice doesn’t stop at the sumptuous menu. Currently Yerba Buena is indulging guests with an hour of non-stop Bellini, Mimosas, and Jalapeno Bloody Marys for only $12! Smart gourmets will take a seat at one of the sleek banquettes and gobble the delectable Cuban-Peruvian fare with their copious amounts of alcohol.
Essex Restaurant
120 Essex St.(@ Rivington St.)
Lower East Side 212.533.9616
Certainly not a secret, this LES haunt has been a brunch hot spot for quite some time. The establishment’s lesser-known fact is a $16, three drink special (Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers or Mimosas) with your brunch order. Food options are bound to please. They range from chicken fried steak to vegan Matzos Brei. Just be forewarned about the line around the block.
Braai
329 W. 51st St.(8th & 9th Aves.)
Hell's Kitchen 212.315.3315
Welcome to the first South African retreat in New York. Braai tempts Sunday brunch-goers with their unlimited Passion Fruit Mimosas ($8). Use the free-flowing libation to wash down fanciful fare such as Ostrich Benedict and Boerewors sausage. If the idea of staggering around Hells Kitchen at 1pm seems a little too hardcore, there is a two-for-one Peri Peri Mary special as well.
Il Bastardo
191 7th Ave.(21st & 22nd Sts.)
Chelsea 212.675.5980
Thank
The City for making brunch traffic as crazed as Grand Central at rush hour. Since it’s a cameo appearance, everyone wants to be there. It’s their titanic sunny terrace that keeps us coming back. Weekend patrons can enjoy an all-you-can-drink smörgåsbord ($14) of sparkling wine, Mimosas, screwdrivers and Bloody Marys from 12-4pm. The more you guzzle, the better the people watching gets!
HK
523 9th Ave.(@ 39th St.)
Hell's Kitchen 212.947.4208
Never the joint to be shy about enticing customers with shameful Happy Hours, HK also delivers at brunch. The bottomless brunch at HK knocks a punch into any entrée selection and will save you big at a meager $12.95. All the usual drink suspects are up for grabs and you’ll relish the unpretentious, yet tasteful menu.
