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 five of our favorites, from mixology masterpieces to build-your-own creations.
The Sidecar Bar and Grille
Southwest Center City
The neighborhood bar on the corner of S 22nd and Christian streets offers its refreshing bloody mary drinks during brunch hours on the weekends (9am-3pm). The casual, laid-back restaurant's take on the drink may only come with its bloody mix and house-made vodka, but it would be a mistake to doubt its potency. Swing by on a Saturday or Sunday and prepare to chow down: pair your drink with brunch options like chicken fried chicken ($12.50), buttermilk biscuit sandwich ($10), BBQ pork Benedict ($14) and more. (See the full menu here.)
National Mechanics
Old City
Named after the National Mechanics Bank that the building was originally built for in 1837, the Old City restaurant and bar has maintained a loyal following thanks to its solid menu of bar food and build-your-own bloody mary station. Available during weekend brunch for $11, you'll start by selecting the rim for your glass from options like chili powder, celery seed, bacon powder and more. Then, you'll have your choice of vodka or spirit to add to the drink before finishing it off with a poached shrimp skewer or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for an additional $5. If this is too much for you, the brunch menu has its own bloody mess available for $9 a glass.
Fun fact: If you opt for the bacon infused vodka, you'll get a Slim Jim added to your drink.
Pub & Kitchen
Rittenhouse Square
The Rittenhouse Square pub has won several notable recognitions since its inception in 2008, including Philly Magainze's 'Best Bloody Mary' award in 2012, dethroning Standard Tap from its win the year prior. Called "The Rangler," the concoction is made with house spicy mix and several add-ons before it's topped off with a plump red-hot chili as garnish. Wash down your meal with popular brunch options like 'Peach & Blueberry Dutch Baby,' 'Two Eggs Classic Breakfast," and more.
Caution: The drink is pretty spicy, thanks to the chili, so if you're not too good with spicy dishes just tell your server beforehand or take the chili out.
Standard Tap
Northern Liberties
The Northern Liberties tavern, which has been around since 1999, offers a dynamite bloody Mary during its brunch hours on the weekends. It's so delicious that it won Philly Magazine's award for 'Best Bloody Mary' back in 2011. Customers can expect to personalize their drinks with several different types of peppers, celery seed, horseradish, pickled vegetables, three variations of hot sauce and a dash of Old Bay seasoning. Since drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, pair your drink with some popular dishes like poutine, chicken pie, the burger and more.
Pro tip: If you plan on visiting past noon during brunch, we highly suggest making a reservation since the place gets packed by 12:30.
Wister
Old City
Chef Benjamin Moore's Old City restaurant doesn't offer a full-fledged bloody mary cocktail like the ones mentioned above. Instead, the BYOB-restaurant provides customers with a house-made bloody mix during its 'Bad Behavior' brunch hour so you can create you own concoctions right at the table. In addition to drinks, there are several food options for you to order, from salmon tartine (dill creme fraiche, red onion, capers), and Frangelico french toast (brioche, mascarpone, kumquat marmalade, hot fudge, hazelnut), to the double stack burger (cheddar, harissa aioli, high street potato roll, red onion, duck fat fries) and more.
