Stemming from the dedicated day drinkers who had access to alcohol during Prohibition, brunch is just as much about cocktails as it is food. In fact, brunch is said to have launched cocktails like the Mimosa and the Bloody Mary, and it’s credited to spreading the now-familiar practice of mixing alcohol with juices and other non-alcoholic drinks, like coffee.
With such high demand for excellent cocktails paired with great breakfast dishes, now, hundreds of bars and restaurants offer bottomless brunch in New York City. Considering there are so many options to choose from, the BevSpot team decided to put together our picks for the 10 best cocktail brunches in the Big Apple.
Looking for unlimited modern Mexican small plates and free flowing brunch cocktails? Look no further than The Maya. Inspired by local Tequilerias in Mexico, The Maya features small plates like tacos, baked eggs and Mahi-Mahi ceviche. Customers can also choose between eight handcrafted cocktails, including different variations of Margaritas, Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Sangria. Rooted in tradition but also venturing into contemporary tastes, The Maya is a great concept for patrons looking to get their buzz on at bottomless brunch and seek out authentic Latin cuisine.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am to 4:30pm
Where: 1191 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065
Price: $45 bottomless (two hours)
Named after a famous mobster, Tanner Smith’s dimly lit interior, exposed brick and nine bourbon barrels hanging from the wall has Prohibition written all over it.
Tanner Smith’s is one of BevSpot’s favorite New York customers, serving a tipsy-tea-themed brunch that attracts a bustling weekend crowd. As a tribute to the “tea rooms” of Prohibition, drinks are served in teacups to be disguised as legal beverages. Accompanied by live swing or jazz music and a DJ during the later hours, this chic tea party features a range of tea-infused cocktails and exquisite brunch offerings that are sure to start your weekend off right.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am to 2:30pm
Where: 204 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Price: $40 includes one entree and one teapot (two servings) or two individual cocktails, glasses of wine or pints of beer.
This lively Latin joint is well known for its unlimited Sangria bar and delectable Spanish dishes. Calle Ocho’s drink menu includes eight different kinds of Sangria, with flavors ranging from banana and coconut to cinnamon and peach—but here’s a heads up: these drinks are strong. Calle Ocho also has a great selection of Latin brunch foods like Gallitos and Torta de Pollo. It’s popular, so be sure to book reservations in advance.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: 45 W 81st Street, in the Excelsior Hotel, New York, NY 10024
Price: $19-$33, unlimited sangria included (two hours)
As you walk down Seventh Avenue, you can’t miss Agave. This establishment has two outdoor patios, an enclosed porch area, a bar, a dining room and a tequila room, making it great for larger parties. With two hours to enjoy bottomless Mimosas, wine, or their famous frozen Margaritas with any egg item, seats go fast. But even if it’s jam packed, Agave maintains a relaxed atmosphere and staff members are quick to top off customers’ drinks.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm
Where: 140 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Price: $32.99 bottomless (two hours)
Poco’s brunch is always buzzing. Well known for their large party accommodations, the place is jam-packed with a lively crowd that usually overflows into the basement area. As you enter, you’ll hear music bumping and see waiters whizzing around with huge drink pitchers. Browse their menu, and choose between a mix of Spanish-inspired dishes and traditional brunch items, plus a choice of unlimited Bloody Marys, Sangria or Mimosas.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Where: 33 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Price: Cash only, regular party $30 bottomless (1.5 hours), party of 20 or more $41 (three hours)
With a large, bright interior draped in sunshine, Essex is stunning. This two-level, warehouse-like establishment serves New American food with a Jewish influence, offering dishes like Essex potato pancakes and matzo. Although their brunch is no longer bottomless, you can certainly get a good buzz with their fixed brunch menu that includes a choice of three Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers or Mimosas.
When: Saturday, 11:00am to 4:30pm, and Sunday, 11:00am to 7:00pm
Where: 120 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002
Price: $25.95 fixed price for entree and three brunch cocktails, $39.95 for parties of eight or more
Casimir recently closed its doors to make way for this new French tapas concept, Pardon My French. Under the same ownership, the space has transformed into a more modern French restaurant with bistronomy-style dishes. For brunch, PMF serves classic brunch food with a French twist, such as Crêpes de Babeurre (buttermilk pancakes with fresh fruit, maple syrup and whipped cream) and Omelette au Epinards & Tomate (omelet stuffed with spinach and tomato, served with garlic roasted potatoes). PMF also offers bottomless Bloody Marys made with house-infused horseradish vodka, or Mimosas.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am to 4:00pm
Where: 103 Ave B, New York, NY 10009
Price: $28.95 bottomless (two hours)
The Blind Pig is a classic sports bar located in the East Village. When you enter the dimly lit establishment, you’ll see walls covered in flat screen TVs blaring live sports games and groups of people sipping on spicy Bloody Marys. The menu is stacked with classic dishes like eggs benedict and chicken and waffles. To make it even better, The Blind Pig offers bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys. However, be sure to check if there’s a major sports game on; sometimes, this bottomless deal disappears during key sports times.
When: Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Where: 233 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Price: $25 bottomless (two hours)
If you’re looking to step outside New York City without too much travel, head to Miss Lily’s. With a vibrant yellow exterior, this place is hard to miss. As you enter, you’re transported to a Jamaican record store, radio station and diner—all in one. For bottomless brunch, patrons have a choice between the Hopstepper, Miss Lily’s version of a Bloody Mary made with jerk spices, and the One Love Bellini, a mix of passionfruit and champagne. They can also choose between five bottomless brunch entrees, such as Lily’s famous coconut pancakes or Jamaican rancheros.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Where: 132 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Price: $30 bottomless (two hours)
Cafe Cortadito, an authentic Cuban restaurant, is another great place to visit if you’re looking to explore international food. With a focus on old world Cuban cuisine (with a modern twist), customers can enjoy hearty dishes like cubanito, vaca frita or camarones enchilados. Bottomless brunch here also includes a wide variety of brunch cocktails like tropical Mimosas, red or white Sangria, champagne Mojitos, champagne Margaritas, Bloody Marys and house beer.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11:30am to 6:00pm
Where: 210 E. 3rd St, New York, NY 10009
Price: $29.95 bottomless (1.5 hours)
Whether you live in NYC or you’re planning a visit, a trip to one of these 10 brunch spots should be on your list. With a steady flow of handcrafted cocktails and a mix of scrumptious brunch foods, you’ll be sure to leave with a nice buzz and a satisfied stomach.
Making brunch at home? Download our free craft cocktails recipe book, with cocktail recipes from some of Boston’s best bartenders.
