NYC's Boozy Brunch Law is Changing: Here Are 5 Places to Celebrate

by  Connie Hum | Jul 28, 2016

Brunch in New York just got even better. In an effort to update liquor laws dating back to Prohibition, state legislators are passing a bill that allows alcohol to be served starting at 10 a.m. instead of noon on Sundays. With brunch being a staple of weekends in the city, here are some great spots to take advantage of the extra time to imbibe once the law goes into effect -- and don't forget to make reservations!

1. The Crooked Knife

Facebook.com / CK30NYC

Take in the lovely atmosphere of the Gramercy neighborhood before swinging into the homey Crooked Knife, where eggs Florentine ($13), is served with home fries and bacon ($14), and the Hangover Salad ($16), is piled with chicken, hash browns, cheese, and bacon -- sure to revive you on a Sunday morning. For an unlimited option, $39 gets you an entree plus two hours of bottomless mimosas or bloody Marys. Bonus: Keep an eye out for celebrities like Matthew Broderick and Diane Lane, who are said to frequent this joint.
On Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Gemma 

Bowery burger / Gemma

For the stylish brunch-goer, head to Gemma at The Bowery Hotel for an alfresco meal on the patio. Serving Italian fare, the menu includes items like eggs a la Gemma (poached eggs on brioche with Hollandaise, asparagus, and prosciutto cotto), $12; margherita pizza, $13; and the Bowery burger with garlic fries, $16. Wash that down with a tasty cocktail like Governor’s Garden with cucumber vodka, mint, lime, and soda ($13); or the Ancho Chile Sour ($15). For a twist on a classic brunch staple, go for a round of the Red Screwdriver ($14) that swirls vodka, blood orange juice, and aperol.
Brunch is served here on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

3. Freemans

Freemans entrance / Facebook.com

At the end of a non-descript Lower East Side alley sits Freemans, a rugged tavern decked out in American Colonialism style. Among our favorite things to order are the baked skillet eggs shakshuka made with spinach, feta cheese, and a tomato-bell pepper topping, $14; and the $17 Freemans Piedmontese cheeseburger that's served with their secret sauce. Thirsty? Classic brunch cocktails ($14) are available, as are specialty concoctions like the Suavecito ($15) with jalapeno tequila, yellow chartreuse, kiwi shrub, and lime.
Brunch is served between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

4. Baker & Co.

Baker & Co. / Connie Hum

The West Village's Baker & Co is filled with rustic industrial appeal, but it’s the outdoor garden seating for which everyone clamors. The comfort food-filled menu touts popular dishes like eggs Benedict with spicy heritage pulled pork ($15), Nutella French toast with vanilla cream ($14), and mac 'n cheese ($14). Along with standard brunch sips like peach bellinis ($11) and bloody Marys ($10), the eatery also pours some adventurous cocktails such as the Porcini ($11): a vermouth-based drink with mushroom syrup, sherry, chocolate, and bitters.
Make reservations for brunch, available every weekend between 10:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

5. Margaux

Atrium / Margaux

If it’s a classy, Parisian brunch you’re in the mood for, look no further than Margaux. Located inside the Marlton Hotel near Washington Square Park, this Parisian-style cafe offers dishes full of Mediterranean, French, and Californian flavors. The menu changes often, but some perennial favorites are soft scrambled eggs with wild salmon ($14) and brioche French toast ($14). For drinks, the lineup includes $12 bellinis and mimosas, the Strictly Prickly ($14), and the Marlton Bloody Mary ($12).
Grab a seat here for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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