It's Sunday morning, you overdid it last night, and you're craving brunch and a bloody mary. Luckily, there are tons of terrific bloodies around town to get you back in order, with some tasty brunch dishes offered alongside. Here are six of our favorites, from mixology masterpieces to build-your-own creations.
Smoke Daddy
West Town/Wicker Park
This veteran BBQ joint, in business since 1994, is known for its carnivore-friendly bloody mary ($9). Served with a garnish of pork wrapped in beef brisket and a pony bottle of beer, it's sure to banish even the mightiest hangover. And for an extra buck, you can kick up the flavor by subbing in jalapeño tequila or adding a slice of bacon.
Homeslice Wheel House
Lincoln Park/DePaul
If you've ever had a few too many drinks, you probably know what it's like to feast on cold pizza on a hungover morning. But only Homeslice has the audacity to actually top its bloody mary with a slice of 'za (not to mention pepperoni, pepperoncini, and a pony of Miller High Life). It's the drink that eats like a meal.
Cherry Circle Room
The Loop
The beautifully restored bar in the historic Chicago Athletic Association building serves a super-classy Red Snapper ($11), a combination of tomato juice, gin, sherry, tomato, spices and smoky sea salt. Enjoy it with a pork belly and smoked salmon "surf and turf" benedict, or sour cream-dusted fish and chips.
Dove’s Luncheonette
West Town/Wicker Park
Your average corner diner is probably short on bloodies (or at least on decent ones), but this Southern-meets-Mexican diner has you covered with its top-notch Bloody Maria, made with a housemade mix, smoked black pepper, spicy hellfire bitters, and lime. It comes with a Pacifico beer back, too, making it the perfect partner for your morning huevos rancheros or pozole.
Handlebar
West Town/Wicker Park
If fried pickles are your thing, then you need to try this vegetarian spot's Bloody Hammer, which combines its housemade bloody mary mix with vodka and a splash of Guinness, then crowns the whole concoction with a cornmeal-battered fried pickle that's been soaked in boozy tomato juice.
Twisted Spoke
Near West Side/Noble Square/West Town
Bloody mary fans will be spoiled for choice at this "hangover hospital," which offers six different variations on its famous bloody. Whether you choose the classic Road Rash Mary (with an accompaniment of Genoa salami, pearl onions, an olive, and Parmesan cheese) or the more unusual Tattooed Mary (which subs in rum and garnishes with a slice of pineapple and smoked pork), you'll be in bloody heaven. You can even buy a bottle of their mix to take home.
