Finding a great brunch spot in NYC is easy work, but scavenging for the perfect brunch cocktail to cohabitate with your huevos rancheros might be a bit more tricky. While most brunch menus offer the standard Bloody Mary poured behind the bar, a few New York restaurants let you take the wheel. These DIY Bloody Mary bars are perfect for trying your hand -- be it heavy or light -- at mixing up the classic, spicy brunch cocktail.
Saxon + Parole
At this downtown haunt, purchase a standard Bloody Mary for $12, then let loose at the toppings bar and season it with all the horseradish, vegetables, and fresh toppings you can get your hands on. 316 Bowery at Bleecker St., 212-254-0350
The Growler Bites & Brews
Head to historic Stone Street in Manhattan's Financial District and into The Growler, where for just $12 a pop, you can get all mad scientist on a Bloody Mary. Sparked up with Tito's vodka, add bacon to your cocktail for a crispy twist. 15 S. William St./55 Stone St., 917-409-0251
Lexington Brass
While most Bloody Mary bars see patrons stumbling around for their next few rounds, Lexington Brass brings all of the choices and convenience right to your table with a Build Your Own Bloody Mary checklist. Build from the bottom up with your choice of well or premium spirits, clever rims for your cup, like Kaffir Lime and Chile Salt, a selection of hot sauces, and a bevy of toppings, from green olives to oysters! All this, and the most you have to do is check off a few boxes, order, and sip. 517 Lexington Ave., 212-392-5976
KTCHN
Tucked inside The Out Hotel in Hell's Kitchen, the sleek, airy KTCHN gets brunch right with its Bloody Mary bar. Choose your vodka, one of three creative housemade bases (think boullion), and then get to the fixings, which include flavored salts, pickled vegetables, and craft cheeses. Consider our weekend spent. 508 W. 42nd St., 212-868-2999
Baby's All Right
Just over the Williamsburg Bridge, music venue Baby's All Right turns out the tunes, and also a killer brunch with a DIY Bloody Mary bar. House vodka will run you just $10 bucks, with Tito's at $12, and Ketel One and Grey Goose for $14. Once your cup is filled with boozy goodness, sidle up to a toppings station packed with "20 hot sauces, pickled vegetables, cured meats, house mix," and even a "green mary mix:" spinach, kale, cucumber, mint, and ginger. The possiblities are more than all right; they're endless. 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, 718-599-5800