If there was ever a reason to wake up before 2:00 p.m. after a night out, brunch in one of the following restaurants is one of them. The boozy brunch scene in South Florida may not be as club-like as the one in New York City, but it definitely has menus that can match it and win. Here are the top seven:
OTC
Unlimited drinks at any time are a college student’s dream. Unlimited mimosas for only $20 at brunch is simply surreal. At OTC – Over the Counter – in Brickell this fantasy comes complete with a menu that features Banana Frosted Flakes French Toast slathered in homemade syrup and one of the best eggs benedict with pulled pork in its category. This American-style restaurant exemplifies the fast-paced style and fun spirit of a New York brunch spot. 1250 South Miami Ave., 305-374-4612; otc-restaurants.com
Mercadito
They call it “The Ultimate Hangover Cure” on their menu, but you could also think of it as the best way to do Mexican before 5:00 p.m. on a Sunday (don’t let the tequila shots from the night before dissuade you). For $30 you get unlimited cocktails and three plates from their brunch menu for the table. The items are meant to be shared, but you might not want to after you’ve tried their Huevos Rancheros or Tacos Estillo Baja with beer-battered mahi mahi. 3252 NE First Ave., 786-369-0430; mercaditorestaurants.com
The Federal
Think comfort food, but better. At The Federal you can start off with a warm freshly baked biscuit, then move on to their chorizo frittata with a goat cheese and pair that with their creamy fish dip and homemade potato chips. If your stomach still isn’t satisfied, end your meal with their Cookies-and-Cream French toast topped with whipped ricotta and sweet bourbon caramel. All this while being surrounded by a relaxed woodsy environment that feels like home. Bottomless mimosas are only $16 per person as well. This restaurant intertwines comfort and pleasure. 5132 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-9559; thefederalmiami.com
Eating House
There’s fried chicken, there’s waffles, and then there is Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s fried chicken and sweet waffles with candied bacon and creamy ranch that pays homage to a classic. Opened in February 2012 as a pop-up, Eating House’s quick success led to its permanent location where Café Ponce once was and took over the brunch scene in the area. Their menu varies from week to week, but you can always count on the most delicious flavor combinations to start your day. 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-448-6524; eatinghousemiami.com
Swine
From the creators of Yardbird and 50 Eggs, Inc. comes the latest in southern and rustic dining. If you are a pulled pork, bacon or any other pig by-product enthusiast, Swine will be your new preferred weekend brunching spot. Their menu has a plate for any kind of pork craving, like their Morning Quiche with crunchy pork belly and melted gruyere. Sweets enthusiasts will not be disappointed either; their Warm Sticky Icky Bun with maple-bourbon toffee syrup, smoked bacon and sweet potato pie ice cream is a must-have. 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 786-360-6433; runpigrun.com
Balans
With outdoor tall tables and sleek style, Balans is the true embodiment of the Brickell essence. Only here can you enjoy a scrumptious combo breakfast (as in pancakes and two eggs your way with sausage on the side) while sipping a chilled Bellini or Bloody Mary as you watch a Ferrari pulling up to the front entrance. Their option-filled menu covers your every brunch request and preference with some added variety, like their six kinds of eggs benedict. 901 South Miami Ave., 305-534-9191; balans.co.uk
Michael’s Genuine
Always fresh ingredients and locally-grown items are at the heart of Michael’s Genuine’s eponymous owner and chef Michael Schwart’z culinary mantra. The vibe is trendy and the plates are all about bringing out the best flavor out of simple ingredients. Their menu varies on a weekly basis but some dishes you can count on are the breakfast pizza with house smoked bacon and farm eggs, the chorizo, shrimp and chili aioli rice cake and the caramel apple cider pot de crème. And don’t forget their popular crispy pig ears, the best kind of fried deliciousness to ever be placed in a jar. 130 NE 40th Street, 305-573-5550; michaelsgenuine.com
Barceloneta
If in the mood for a tapas-based Spaniard meal, Barceloneta is the perfect place to share multiple plates with some good friends. Their ingredients are as crisp and casual as the ambience, which successfully transports you across the Atlantic to a restaurant along a brick-paved street in Barcelona. The Croquetas and Gambas con Chocolate are a modern take on classic plates. And its location is close enough to campus to walk off last night’s fog on your way to the best kind of Spanish pick-me-up. 5850 Sunset Drive, 305-665-0020; barcelonetarestaurant.com
words_ivana cruz. photos_rori kotch.
