“Brunch” and “bottomless” are two words that should always go together, especially when it comes to New York City weekend dining. On Sept. 8, legislation was signed allowing New York restaurants and bars to sell booze as early as 10am on Sundays. These nine boozy brunch spots are the places to go if you’re looking for great eats and even better drinks. Whether you’re a Bloody Mary kind of person or lean more towards a fizzy mimosa, these options won’t disappoint, and neither will their eclectic menus.
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: Tio Pepe (West Village)
Long-running Spanish/Mexican restaurant Tio Pepe brilliantly figured out: why not serve brunch at lunch? Even if you're not in New York on a weekend, you can still enjoy the classic NYC brunch experience with a mid-day visit to Tio Pepe's. From Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm (and on the weekends from 11:30am to 4pm), enjoy Tio Pepe classics like eggs and chorizo, huevos rancheros, Spanish omelets, paella, and quesadillas. You can drink bottomless margaritas, mimosas, or Bloody Marys for just $12 more! 168 W. 4th St., 212-242-6480, tiopepenyc.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: China Grill (Midtown West)
For coming up on 30 years, China Grill has thrived as a New York hotspot, serving Asian-inspired global cuisine in a soaring black-granite setting. They still do a killer brunch today: opt for the Dragon Brunch Prix Fixe (one starter, one main, juice and coffee, and the option to add limitless mimosas or one of the house’s popular Bloody Mary concoctions). Good luck choosing between crab Benedict, yuzu cream stuffed French toast, Szechuan steak & eggs, and a while lot more. 60 W. 53rd St., 212-333-7788, chinagrillrestaurant.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: L’Asso (Nolita)
We know, pizza for brunch sounds a little odd, but we beg you, give it a shot at L’Asso. Their Asino di Maiale (“breakfast pizza”) comes with prosciutto, scallions, and a cracked egg on top, and it will make you rethink the way you do breakfast. An hour-long bottomless mimosa or Bloody Mary deal on the weekends completes the deal for us at L’Asso, making it a brunch stop we visit on the reg. 192 Mott St., 212-219-2353, lassopizza.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: Calle Ocho (Upper West Side)
Sangria fans should make their way to the Upper West Side for brunch on the double, because Calle Ocho is known for a bar that offers both white (Havana Banana, Punta Cana, Tropical, Blanca) and red (Samba, Fresas, Spanish Harlem, Roja) options. Pair one of those babies with the house's Latin Benedict (poached eggs, house-made pork and duck sausage, arepas, chipotle hollandaise) and you’re set for the day. 45 W. 81st St., 212-873-5025, calleochonyc.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: Essex (Lower East Side)
Essex lets you enjoy unlimited screwdrivers, mimosas, and Bloody Marys plus an entree for $29.95. That’s a steal. The Deep South (chicken fried steak, biscuit, eggs, and sausage gravy) is as filling as it is delicious, and the grilled shrimp and avocado salad (poached egg, baby spinach, Thai dressing) is another excellent option if your palate is feeling adventurous. 120 Essex St., 212-533-9616, essexnyc.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: Horchata (Greenwich Village)
With a name like Horchata, how can you not be enticed? Obviously, this spot makes some darn good horchata (a traditional drink from Latin countries, usually made with nuts or seeds), but it makes this boozy brunch list because of their “Chill Out” menu option. For $35 a person you get a selection of a brunch entree, classic guacamole, house-made corn tortilla chips, and two hours of unlimited sangria, mimosas, Bloody Marys, or Mexican beers. 470 6th St., 212-243-8226, horchatanewyork.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: Miss Lily’s 7A (East Village)
Miss Lily’s 7A may be on the trendier side of things, but thankfully their prices are still down to earth. For $15 you can add a bottomless brunch cocktail to your entree order, choosing between their One Love Bellini, Hotstepper, or Lily’s Rum Punch. The breakfast options are as unique as the beverages, including coconut pancakes, Jamaican Ranchers (eggs over easy, plantains, stew peas, and scotch bonnet pepper), and Jamaican breakfast (ackee and saltfish, callaloo, and festival). 109 Ave. A, 212-812-1482, 7a.misslilys.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: Cafe Cortadito (East Village)
Who doesn’t like Cuban food? Now imagine how delicious a Cuban brunch is! Think lobster Benedict, huevos rancheros, and Cubanitos to get your salivary glands into action. As far as the drinks go, an entree + 90 minutes of bottomless beverages comes in at under $30, and those bottomless beverages include tropical mimosas, sangria, champagne mojitos, champagne margaritas, and house beers. 210 E. 3rd St., 212-614-3080, cafecortadito.com
Best of NYC Boozy Brunches: CK14 The Crooked Knife (West Village)
Unlimited Bloodies and mimosas pair nicely with CK14 The Crooked Knife’s selection of hearty eggs Benedict. From the classic Canadian Kevin Bacon to options like the Benedict Lobster Batch, Salmon Hayek, and Christian Kale, you will not leave this brunch feeling hungry (especially considering that each entree comes with home fries, mixed greens, and Cajun remoulade and bacon). 232 W. 14th St., 212-929-4534, thecrookedknife.com
